Broken Limelight: A Celebrity True Crime Podcast

What happened to Amanda Bynes? Amanda Bynes was an iconic child actress and comedian from the 90's-00's.  She was a star from an early age, until her mental health started deteriorating and she began breaking down publicly.  What contributed to Amanda's mental health problems?  Did it have anything to do with Dan Schneider? * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist or mental health pro...

Dan Schneider is a Nickelodeon producer responsible for shows like The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, iCarly, Victorious, Henry Danger, and so on.  Nickelodeon severed ties with Schneider in 2018 when audiences began to question whether Dan had been sexually abusing and/or exploiting his young stars. * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist or mental health professional, she is simply an entert...

In 1998, a story broke that President Bill Clinton was having an ongoing affair with 24 year-old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.  The media was eager to make Monica the face of the scandal; but Bill would be the one charged with perjury, leading to his impeachment. In this episode, we’ll explore the impeachment against Bill Clinton, the acquittal, other allegations against the former pre...

In 1998, a story broke that President Bill Clinton was having an ongoing affair with 24 year-old White House intern, Monica Lewinsky.  The media was eager to make Monica the face of the scandal; but Bill would be the one charged with perjury, leading to his impeachment. In this episode, we’ll explore the allegations against Bill Clinton, the details of his relationship with Monica (and others...

Linda Lovelace was one of the most famous actresses of the Golden Age of Porn.  She became a household name when Deep Throat became the first pornographic movie ever to cross into the mainstream. Beyond the stardom, however, was an abusive manager holding her captive and forcing her to perform. This episode is the second of 2 parts of the Linda Lovelace story. *TW: this episode is very violen...

Linda Lovelace was one of the most famous actresses of the Golden Age of Porn.  She became a household name when Deep Throat became the first pornographic movie ever to cross into the mainstream. Beyond the stardom, however, was an abusive manager holding her captive and forcing her to perform. * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist or mental health professional, she is simply an entertainer...

For over 25 years, the details of the deaths of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G (Biggie Smalls) have been shrouded in mystery.  They're still considered cold cases to this day.  Were their deaths a result of the east coast/west coast rivalry?  Was Tupac murdered by his own friend? This episode explores the evidence compiled by retired LAPD detective Greg Kading.  *For an e...

Phil Spector was a legendary music producer with an epic collection of wigs.  Lana Clarkson was an actress and model who was went home with Phil after her shift at the House of Blues.  Sadly, she wouldn't come out alive. This episode explore the life, achievements, and relationships of Phil Spector, including his marriage to Ronnie Spector of the Ronettes. * * * * *Didi West is not a jou...

For over a decade, a man scammed several restaurants and stores across the US, claiming to be a police officer.  He was able to persuade managers of these businesses to conduct strip searches on young employees and customers.  He was eventually caught, but only after 18 year-old Louise Ogborn was subjected to 4 hours of torture. * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist or mental health pro...

Jennifer Hudson caught the nation's attention when she appeared in American Idol's third season.  She shook the audiences with her performance in Dreamgirls, and she was handpicked by Aretha Franklin to star in the 2021 biopic Respect.  In the midst of making a name for herself, Jennifer's family suffered a horrific attack that would truly test her strength. * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist...

*Part 3 dives into Mark's plan to kill John Lennon and the aftermath.  Listen to parts 1 & 2 for the full story on John Lennon and Mark David Chapman. John Lennon is one of the co-founders of The Beatles and one of the most beloved artists in the world.  He had a turbulent childhood and made numerous achievements in his short life, before he was murdered at just 40 years old at the h...

*Part 2 dives into the mind of Mark David Chapman, John Lennon’s killer.  Listen to Part 1 for a recap on John’s life and career. John Lennon is one of the co-founders of The Beatles and one of the most beloved artists in the world.  He had a turbulent childhood and made numerous achievements in his short life, before he was murdered at just 40 years old at the hands of a 25 year old fan...

John Lennon is one of the co-founders of The Beatles and one of the most beloved artists in the world.  He had a turbulent childhood and made numerous achievements in his short life, before he was murdered at just 40 years old at the hands of a 25 year old fan, Mark David Chapman. *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic details crimes including stalking and murder, as well as descript...

Kelsey Grammer is best known for playing the role of Dr. Frasier Crane in Cheers and the spin-off Frasier .  He also performed numerous roles on Broadway, on television sitcoms, and doing voice-over work. Frasier-- I mean Kelsey-- has also had a life full of tragedy, as his family seems to be surrounded by things like murders, kidnappings, fatal accidents, etc. *Trigger Warning: This episode...

Victor Salva is an American filmmaker known for his work in horror movies like the Jeepers Creepers films, as well as the 1995 film Powder .  What many people don’t know is that he was also convicted of sexually assaulting a 12 year old actor on the set of a movie in 1989. Victor Salva was able to continue his career long after his conviction, even managing to work with Disney and creating th...

Selena Quintanilla was murdered at 23 years old by her friend and president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar. Yolanda was short, chubby,  and mousy and desperate for a purpose in life.  Selena was her first and only friend.  What on earth compelled her to kill the beloved star? This episode also discusses the events of November 5th, 2021 at the Astroworld music festival in Houston, TX. To skip th...

In 1995, a guest on The Jenny Jones show was murdered after revealing his secret crush on the show.  Three days after appearing on the show, his crush would return to murder him.  Was daytime television partially responsible? *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of themes like murder, homophobia, and ambush tactics. * * * * * * *Didi West is not a journalist or me...

River Phoenix died on October 31st, 1993 under mysterious circumstances, at just 23 years old.  At his young age, he was already an established actor, and also had a fair share of trauma in his life. His brother Joaquin and sister Rain were there at the Viper Room with him as drugs were being passed around. Everyone could see that River was in bad shape, but by the time they called for help,...

Adrienne Shelly made a career out of roles featuring powerful woman.  She was successful in front of the camera as well as behind it, and was on the verge of becoming huge when she wrote, directed, and co-starred in the film Waitress. Sadly, Adrienne was brutally murdered before she could see the huge success that Waitress was to become. *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic details...

What started as a photo shoot for a magazine ended in one of the most notorious sexual assault cases in modern history. Roman Polanski is one of the most celebrated directors in the world.  Samantha Gailey was only 13 years old when he sexually assaulted her in 1977, just 8 years after the tragic death of his wife, Sharon Tate. *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic details of themes...

Sharon Tate was a beautiful and talented Hollywood starlet who was married to director Roman Polanski.  She starred in films like The Fearless Vampire Killers and Valley of the Dolls .  When Sharon was just 26 years old and 8 and a half months pregnant, she was murdered by the members of Charles Manson's cult, the "Manson Family". *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic details o...

Many film and television sets have fallen victim to dangerous accidents.  But some of those are believed to be haunted-- or worse-- cursed.  From tragic deaths to a spooky warning from a priest, these movies may have something more sinister going on than simple bad luck. In this episode, I'll cover the legends surrounding the "curses" on Poltergeist, The Exorcist, and The Omen. View Epis...

Corey Feldman ( Gremlins, The Goonies, Stand By Me, etc.) and Corey Haim ( Lucas, Silver Bullet, The Lost Boys, License to Drive) were child actors from the 80’s, and best friends.  As children, they were both allegedly sexually abused by adult men in Hollywood, like Marty Weiss and Charlie Sheen. Both Coreys struggled with drug addiction and after Corey Haim’s death, Corey Feldman has spoken...

14 year old Lori Mattix lost her virginity to David Bowie and had a 2 year relationship with Jimmy Page (during which he kidnapped her).  Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, started dating a 16 year old girl and convinced her mother to give him guardianship over her, and then he impregnated and forced her to get an abortion.  Elvis was known to have sleepovers with teenage girls,...

Marilyn Monroe died at just 36 years old of what appeared to be a suicide by overdose.  But when you take a closer look, it seems that there may have been foul-play.  Many believe that Marilyn was killed by the Kennedy's.  So what's fact and what's theory?  *Trigger Warning: This episode contains graphic details of themes like drug abuse, sexual abuse, and potential murder. *Vi...