Fame Under Fire is the BBC podcast following the world's biggest celebrity trials and the stories surrounding them. From the D4vd murder case to the trial of Duane "Keefe D" Davis over the shooting of Tupac Shakur, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty takes you inside the courtroom and beyond the headlines, separating evidence from speculation as major legal cases unfold in real time. With journalists, legal experts, and eyewitness reporting, we explain what happened in court, what it means legally, and why it matters culturally. We examine the narratives that grow around high-profile cases and test them against the evidence. This isn't a celebrity gossip show. It's a fact-led, accessible guide to the trials everyone is talking about, with serious analysis, sharp conversation and the occasional laugh along the way. Subscribe to Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds and turn on push notifications so you never miss an episode. We'll let you know as soon as new episodes are available. Got questions? We've got answers. Message us at 0330 123 555 1.
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 guilty and denies all charges. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Day Five
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 real name is David Anthony Burke, is charged with murder, unlawful dismemberment and continuous sexual abuse of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to him. D4vd has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. 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: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Day Four
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 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 Burke has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Day Three
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 him. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty is joined by reporter Sam Mulick, who explains the DNA evidence, the examination of a cut inflatable pool and the records tracking a phone and Tesla to Santa Barbara. David Burke has pleaded not guilty and denies all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Day Two
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 attorneys say the evidence will show that he did not murder Celeste and was not the cause of her death. Fame Under Fire will be following the D4vd preliminary hearing from inside the Los Angeles courtroom, with daily reporting, legal analysis and the latest developments. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Day One
Fame Under Fire is inside the courtroom for day one of the preliminary hearing involving singer d4vd, whose real name is David Burke. This podcast contains some disturbing scenes. 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 death. Fame Under Fire will be following the D4vd preliminary hearing from inside the Los Angeles courtroom, with daily reporting, legal analysis and the latest developments. If you’ve been affected by anything in this episode and you’re in the UK, details of organisations that can provide help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Leona Gasper Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Live at the Crossed Wires Festival 2026
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
The new celebrity lawyers: When social media meets the courtroom
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 his personal life. 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
Kanye model assault allegations: YOUR questions about OUR interview
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 Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd on trial, Witnesses to take the stand
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 Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Digital Journalist: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Kanye sexually assaulted me, says model, but he says it's art
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.
Diddy’s leaked tape controversy and the appeal to overturn his sentence
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 questions? Send us a Whatsapp message on 0330 678 111 4. Subscribe to Fame Under Fire on BBC Sounds and turn on push notifications so you never miss an episode. We’ll let you know as soon as new episodes are available. Details of help and support in the UK with sexual, or domestic abuse is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline 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: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Drake, D4vd and the cases still to come
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 v UMG: Why the Not Like Us Lawsuit Isn't Over
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
Why has D4vd’s preliminary hearing been pushed back again?
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 Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd case shocks as prosecutors reveal new evidence claims
A delayed preliminary hearing in the case against D4vd brings new scrutiny after prosecutors publicly filed a briefing document laying out their allegations. The filing includes claims relating to grooming, text messages, digital evidence, travel records and purchases prosecutors say connect to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Chris Walsh-Heron Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settle lawsuit
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have reached a settlement in their legal dispute linked to the movie It Ends With Us, ending proceedings two weeks before a trial due to begin on 18 May. A federal judge had already dismissed 10 of 13 claims, including sexual harassment, defamation, and civil conspiracy, leaving claims for retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract, to proceed. A joint statement released on 4 May refers to workplace standards and the film’s impact. No further details of the settlement have been made public, and both parties issued the same wording. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Cute dogs and Lion King jokes spark million dollar lawsuits
A small magazine with dogs in designer clothing on its covers finds itself up against Condé Nast, publisher of Vogue, in a trademark dispute over name. Both sides are defending the right to use the name ‘Dogue’. A separate case carries a $27m claim after a comedian’s take on The Lion King’s opening lyrics went viral. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Digital Video Producer: Daniel Raza Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producers: Nicky Edwards and Mark Burrows Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
D4vd charged with murder after Celeste Rivas Hernandez case update
D4vd, real name David Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and the unlawful mutilation of remains after the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors say the charges include special circumstances, and Burke has entered a not guilty plea. Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty and our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent look at what the charges mean and why the case took months to reach arrest and charge. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Senior Impact Producer: Melanie Stewart-Smith Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts
Blake Lively v Justin Baldoni: trial evidence battle and what the jury may not hear
Motions in limine reveal competing attempts to restrict evidence in the Lively–Baldoni case, including challenges to witness testimony, viral material and past controversies. Legal arguments focus on whether the material informs the claim of retaliation, or risks biasing a jury. Our resident trial attorney Shaun Kent explains how evidentiary rules shape what may ultimately be presented in court. Host: Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Series Producer: Louise Clarke Impact Producer: Daniel Raza Production Coordinator: Phoebe Lomas Technical Producer: Cameron Ward Editor: Clare Fordham Assistant Commissioning Producer: Rechmial Miller Commissioning Producer: Adam Eland Assistant Commissioner: Will Drysdale Commissioning Editor: Rhian Roberts Deadpool and Wolverine/Marvel Studios/Shawn Levy E Online article/Jennifer Cady NBC article/Gwen Aviles Vox article/Alex Abad-Santos
