Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial

Will Russell Brand take the witness stand? And what happens if he chooses not to? With no jury sitting today, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty answers your questions about the trial.

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to six women. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Follow Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial for daily coverage from Southwark Crown Court, bringing you daily despatches of what the jury hears as the trial unfolds.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer...

“He really hurt me.”

A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

The jury hears from friends and family of Complainant Five, who describe what she told them following an alleged anal rape at Russell Brand's home.

Witnesses recall her distress, concerns about her health and conversations about the events that night. The defence also questions her former boyfriend over differences between his police statement and his evidence in court. Meanwhile, the court hears a 999 call made by Complainant Two.

Russell Brand faces thre...

“You treated me like an animal.”

A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged anal rape.

The jury hears about an alleged text exchange between Russell Brand and Complainant Five following an alleged rape at his home.

During cross-examination, the defence questions her account of what happened, challenging her recollection of events and suggesting she consented to sexual activity because she loved and idolised Russell Brand.

The complainant firmly rejects that suggestion, telling the court: “No, I did not consent to what happened to me.”

The defence also question...

“This man was mauling me”

A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

Complainant Four tells the jury Russell Brand allegedly kissed and groped her while she was working. She becomes emotional during cross-examination, describing how nobody intervened and why she felt unable to report what happened.

The jury also hears from Complainant Six, who alleges she was sexually assaulted while working on a Channel 4 project, and watches part of Complainant Five's video-recorded interview, in which she describes an alleged anal rape at Brand's home.

“I felt like my innocence had been taken.”

A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

Complainant three tells the jury Russell Brand sexually assaulted and raped her at a party in the early 2000s. She describes why she kept the full extent of the alleged attack secret from friends and family for years, and why she eventually reported it to police.

During cross-examination, the defence challenges her memory, questions alleged inconsistencies in her accounts and suggests the sexual encounter was consensual. She rejects that suggestion.

Russ...

“Wild-eyed maniac.”

The second complainant tells the jury Russell Brand grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into a toilet while she was working at MTV in the early 2000s.

She describes struggling to free herself, while the defence suggests Brand was seeking consensual sexual activity.

The court also hears from witnesses connected to the first complainant's allegation of rape in 1999, including two men who worked with Brand at the time.

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault relating to s...

A warning this podcast contains graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

“It made me feel so dirty.”

The first complainant gives emotional evidence about an alleged rape in 1999. The jury hears her video-recorded police interview before she faces cross-examination from Russell Brand's defence team.

The judge also intervenes during a tense exchange with the defence barrister.

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Anoushka Muta...

The prosecution has opened its case against Russell Brand at Southwark Crown Court, outlining allegations made by six women.

A warning this podcast contains strong language and graphic descriptions of alleged rape and sexual assault.

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on what the jury heard, including claims of assaults in hotels, workplaces and private homes, and the prosecution's account of why some complainants came forward...

The jury has been selected in Russell Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court. Eight men and four women have been sworn in, along with a reserve juror.

But why were six prospective jurors dismissed?

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty reports on the jury selection process and the judge's instructions to jurors about avoiding outside opinions, media coverage and online research. She also explains why alleged victims...

It's day one of Russell Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court, where jury selection is underway.

Russell Brand faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is inside the courtroom, bringing you the latest from the trial and explaining how the British justice system differs from the US.

From barristers in wigs and robes to strict contempt of court laws, Anoushka explains why UK court reporting comes with very different rules...

Russell Brand’s trial begins at Southwark Crown Court on 12 October.

He faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.

He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges and denies the allegations against him.

Before the trial begins, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by criminal defence lawyers Matthew Claughton and Stephen Davies to break down the charges, and discuss how an English criminal trial differs from trials in the US.

From 12 October for Fame Under Fire: Russell Brand on Trial, Anoushka will be at...

The Tupac murder trial is over. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look back at the evidence, arguments, and courtroom moments that led to Duane "Keffe D" Davis being convicted of first-degree murder.

For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial, Anoushka has been in the Las Vegas courtroom every day bringing you updates.

We’ve got more trials coming up - make sure you lock in so you don’t miss a thing.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe...

Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon for the killing of Tupac Shakur, almost 30 years after the rapper was shot in Las Vegas.

Jurors returned the verdict after nearly three hours of deliberations following closing arguments in which prosecutors pointed to Davis's own repeated accounts of the killing, while the defence argued there was no independent evidence placing him in the white Cadillac, or in Las Vegas, at the time.

Davis faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole. Sentencing is due on 13 October and...

Was there another white Cadillac in Las Vegas on the night Tupac Shakur was shot?

Two former officers testified that they saw a cream-coloured Cadillac entering and leaving Suge Knight’s property shortly before the shooting, raising questions about the light-coloured Cadillac prosecutors say was used by Tupac’s killers.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

Jurors also heard that other people contacted investigators claiming involvement in Tupac’s murder, as the defence challenged detectives over their inab...

Jurors hear jail calls from Duane "Keffe D" Davis in which he makes angry allegations about Tupac Shakur and says he is not an icon.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The jury were also shown silent courtroom footage of Davis mouthing towards Reggie Wright Jr after his testimony. The clip has prompted claims on social media that Davis called him a “rat” and Davis’s lawyer disputes that interpretation.

The prosecution has now officially rested its case...

Jurors hear about evidence seized during the 2023 search of Duane "Keffe D" Davis's home, including a scrapbook containing newspaper reports about Tupac Shakur's shooting and death dating back to 1996.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution also calls former Compton police officer Robert Ladd, who testifies that Davis was a high-ranking member of the South Side Compton Crips and a "shot caller" with authority over younger gang members.

The defence continues to question the physical evid...

Tensions rise in the Tupac murder trial as documentary maker Mike Dorsey clashes with defence attorney Michael Sanft during a heated cross-examination.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The judge stepped in several times as the exchanges became increasingly tense.

The jury also heard more uncut recordings of Duane "Keffe D" Davis made during interviews for a BET documentary, including Davis saying "I'm a killer" before asking whether he would be able to review material before it w...

Duane "Keffe D" Davis speaks out in court, telling the judge his family is being threatened and that his home and his wife's car have been vandalised.

Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

Davis said the disclosure of addresses connected to his family was putting them in danger. The judge said she had heard concerns about behaviour on both sides and warned the prosecution and defence about witnesses contacting each other.

The jury also hears more recordings of Davis...

Day four of the Tupac Murder Trial hears hours of recordings in which Duane "Keffe D" Davis describes the night Tupac Shakur was shot and makes allegations involving Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The court heard recordings from Davis's 2008 proffer interviews with law enforcement, in which he claimed Combs offered money for Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight to be killed, with a figure of $1 million discussed.

Davis also recounts driving around Las...

Day three of the Tupac Murder Trial reveals new details about Duane "Keffe D" Davis's relationship with law enforcement, including how he became a confidential informant and went undercover after making allegations involving Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The court heard that Davis alleged that Combs had offered money for Tupac and Suge Knight to be killed, and the court heard about an FBI investigation involving Bad Boy Records and Death Row Records.

Day two of the trial takes a dramatic turn as James “Mob James” McDonald, a former Mob Piru member who worked security for Suge Knight, takes the stand in the Tupac Murder Trial.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis is charged with murder and accused of orchestrating Shakur's death. He has denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

McDonald tells the court he does not want to testify and clashes repeatedly with defence lawyer Michael Sanft during a tense cross-examination.

The jury is also shown graphic autopsy photographs as a medical examiner gives evidence about Tupa...

Opening statements begin in the long-awaited trial over the murder of Tupac Shakur.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him.

The prosecution tells the jury it will build its case using Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis’s own words — from his memoir, interviews and recordings with police.

But the defence tells jurors not to believe Davis’s previous accounts, arguing that he lied and embellished his story.

As the first witnesses take the stand, the jury hears from a former police officer who encountered Tu...

Opening statements are about to begin in the Tupac Shakur murder trial in Las Vegas, nearly 30 years after the rapper was shot dead.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down what each side needs to achieve in its opening statement, why Davis’s own past words could become central to the prosecution case, and what clues the defence may give about its strategy.

For Fame Under Fire: The Tupac Murder Trial An...

Jury selection begins in the Tupac Shakur murder trial.

Nearly 30 years after Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas, Duane “Keffe D” Davis is the only person ever charged in connection with his death. Davis has entered a not guilty plea and denies all charges.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent to explain how lawyers try to find 12 fair and impartial people for one of America’s most high-profile cold cases.

Anoushka will be in Las Vegas as the trial gets underway, bringing daily updates from cou...

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death. Duane “Keffe D” Davis has pleaded not guilty to murder and denies the allegations against him. But Keffe D is not accused of firing the fatal shots. So how can prosecutors seek to convict him of murder? And why was he arrested in 2023, decades after investigators first suspected he was in the car? Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Fame under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent break down eve...

Fame Under Fire’s resident trial attorney Shaun Kent talks to Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about the legal questions raised by the D4vd preliminary hearing. Includes some disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Shaun and Anoushka examine possible strategies the defence could use at trial and whether D4vd could enter a plea. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. David has pleaded not gu...

D4vd is ordered to stand trial for murder after a judge finds probable cause on all charges and three special circumstances. The court hears closing arguments over the final text messages, the alleged timeline of Celeste’s death and the strength of the forensic evidence. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who has been inside court throughout the hearing. There are graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose re...

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who explains the medical examiner’s findings, sexually explicit material allegedly recovered from D4vd’s phone, messages about Celeste’s pregnancy and abortion, and plans for her to leave her family home.

This programme contains graphic descriptions, references to child sexual abuse and other disturbing content that some listeners may find distressing.

Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and co...

DNA consistent with Celeste is found at 11 locations in D4vd’s Tesla and garage, as the court hears initial evidence from the medical examiner’s office. There are some graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. Fame Under Fire brings you the latest from inside the Los Angeles courtroom at the D4vd preliminary hearing. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to h...

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty brings you the latest from inside the courtroom for day two of D4vd’s preliminary hearing.

There are some graphic descriptions and disturbing content that some listeners and viewers may find distressing. The court is told how Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s ID was found beside a highway, while investigators describe possible blood evidence in a Tesla and garage linked to the singer. The court also hears details of D4vd’s multi-million-dollar recording and endorsement deals, and tensions are rising between the prosecution and defence. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorn...

Fame Under Fire is inside the courtroom for day one of the preliminary hearing involving singer d4vd, whose real name is David Burke.

Our reporter joins Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty from the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles as prosecutors begin presenting the evidence they say supports charges of murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys say the evidence will show that he did not murder Celeste and was not the cause of her...

Recorded at the 2026 Crossed Wires festival Anoushka and resident trial attorney Shaun Kent explore how social media is transforming the courtroom.

They discuss the growing influence of social media on juries, lawyers, and public opinion, and answer questions from the audience. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Fame Under Fire's resident trial attorney Shaun Kent is in the UK!

He joins Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty in the London studio to discuss one of the biggest shifts taking place in the legal world: the growing influence of social media on criminal trials. From celebrity cases to viral courtroom moments, they explore how online audiences are changing the way lawyers, juries and the public engage with the justice system.

Shaun talks about becoming the subject of global online attention during one of his own recent murder trials, and how social media affected both the courtroom and...

Your comments and questions following our exclusive interview with the actress Jen Ann, who accuses Kanye West of sexually assaulting her.

She filed a civil lawsuit in 2024. Kanye’s lawyers don't deny it happened, but they say it was art and that Jen consented to it.

Our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent and Anoushka answer your questions - from why Jen Ann could file after 14 years, to why Kanye's team is questioning if he even knew Jen was a woman.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Produced by Jim Frank & Ivana Davidovic Se...

The timetable in the criminal case against D4vd has changed following the latest court hearing.

David Anthony Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The preliminary hearing, where prosecutors seek to establish probable cause, has been delayed.

The hearing is also expected to include witness scheduling, meaning testimony could form part of the proceedings before any trial begins. The delay pushes back the wider court process while prosecutors and defence lawyers continue preparing their cases.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior...

Jennifer An, a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, alleges Kanye West, now known as Ye, assaulted her during filming for a La Roux music video in New York in 2010. She is now suing the rapper.

An alleged sex tape linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs spread rapidly online as Diddy’s lawyers appeal his sentence.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is asking the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan to overturn prostitution-related convictions, reduce his sentence or order his immediate release from prison.

Defence lawyers argue the jury acquitted him of the most serious allegations, while prosecutors continue to point to evidence of violence and coercion presented during the trial.

Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and Shaun Kent discuss questions around leaked evidence, intimate recordings and the judge’s remarks at sentencing.

Got questi...

Missed some of the biggest celebrity legal stories? A catch-up takes in Drake v UMG, with questions around rap, art and the First Amendment, and a refresher on the D4vd trial. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

Drake's lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us was dismissed, but the legal battle is continuing after Drake appealed the ruling.

New amicus briefs have brought more voices into the dispute, with arguments around artistic expression, rap music in courtrooms and First Amendment protections.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts

D4vd returned to court for a status hearing amid discovery delays and the huge volume of evidence in the case.

The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful dismemberment of human remains. The preliminary hearing has now been delayed until 29 June.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Digital Researcher: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Cameron Ward ...