Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, attended the New York sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs on Friday, showing support for the hip-hop mogul and longtime friend.
Dressed in white, Ye arrived at the Manhattan federal court before noon, during a break in the trial proceedings.
When asked if he was there to support Combs, Ye confirmed with a “yes” and a nod.
He quickly proceeded to a lift, and did not respond when questioned by a reporter about potentially providing evidence on Combs’ behalf when the defense begins its case, potentially as early as next week.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges. These charges allege he used his fame, wealth, and influence to commit crimes over two decades.
Ye’s appearance at the court followed six days of testimony from a woman identified only as “Jane”.
Jane testified that during a relationship with Combs from 2021 until his arrest last September at a Manhattan hotel, she felt pressured into having sex with male sex workers while Combs observed.
Combs’ defense lawyers maintain his innocence, arguing that no crimes were committed and that federal prosecutors are attempting to regulate consensual sex between adults.
On Thursday, Jane stated that during a three-month period when she was not involved with Combs, she traveled to Las Vegas in January 2023 with a famous rapper who was close to Combs.
Before Jane’s testimony on this topic, lawyers and the judge held a private hearing to determine what details of the Las Vegas trip could be revealed.
Jane was asked if the rapper she was with, along with his girlfriend, was “an individual at the top of the music industry as well as an icon in the music industry”.
“Yes,” Jane responded.
In Las Vegas, Jane said she joined a group including the rapper for dinner, a visit to a strip club, and a hotel room party. At the party, a sex worker had sex with a woman while approximately half a dozen people watched.
According to Jane, there was dancing, and the rapper said, “Hey beautiful,” and made crude remarks about wanting to have sex with her.
Jane stated that she does not recall the specific moment, but that she flashed her breasts while dancing.
