NEW YORK — Ye, known formerly as Kanye West, paid a fleeting visit to Manhattan’s federal courthouse on Friday to express his support for his long-standing friend, the hip-hop legend Sean “Diddy” Combs, currently embroiled in a sex trafficking trial. Despite his intentions, Ye was not permitted inside the actual courtroom and had to settle for watching the proceedings via a video feed in a separate room.
Ye, sporting a white ensemble, arrived at the courthouse just before midday during a trial recess and lingered for around 40 minutes. After navigating the security check, he was queried about whether he was there for Combs, to which he affirmed with a nod of his head. He swiftly moved toward an elevator, staying silent when asked if he planned to testify in Combs’ defense, which could occur once the defense phase commences in the upcoming week.
The fifth floor wasn’t accessible to him, as it hosts one of the building’s largest courtrooms where the high-profile trial was taking place, with strictly controlled access. The seating there is primarily reserved for the defendant’s relatives, legal representatives, media members, and select spectators who endured long waits for entry.
Instead, Ye was conducted to a courtroom situated three floors below. There, he briefly observed the trial via a large closed-circuit monitor in an overflow room located one floor beneath the usual press-dedicated overflow room, bustling with journalists and courthouse staff who mistakenly believed Ye might appear there.
Upon the news trickling out about his actual whereabouts, a small stream of spectators joined him in the front row alongside Christian, Combs’ son, a bodyguard, and another Combs supporter in an area being kept free by a court officer. After surveying the scene, Ye and his companions left as abruptly as they had arrived.
He exited without addressing additional questions from the press, walking past eager reporters and cameras before slipping into a waiting black Mercedes sedan. Meanwhile, Combs appeared buoyed, aware of his friend’s show of support as his loved ones, including his mother, observed the courtroom events. Combs is facing serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, accusations spanning two decades.
Ye’s courtroom visit coincided with the conclusion of a week-long testimony by a witness known only as “Jane.” She recounted a turbulent relationship with Combs that spanned months until his arrest occurred last September in Manhattan. Jane spoke of being driven into drug-laden, prolonged sexual escapades with male sex workers, acts she claimed Combs observed or recorded.
In defense of Combs, lawyers argue no illegal acts occurred, contending federal authorities are overreaching by scrutinizing consensual adult relationships. During Thursday’s session, Jane revealed a short separation period wherein she traveled in January 2023 with another well-known rapper, closely affiliated with Combs, to Las Vegas alongside the rapper’s girlfriend.
Discussions around this trip were intensely vetted behind closed doors before Jane could testify publicly. When asked whether an accompanying rapper was “an icon in the music world,” she affirmed. While in Las Vegas, the cohort dined, visited a strip club, and attended a hotel party witnessing sexual activities among others. During this time, Jane claimed the rapper complimented her and crudely expressed desires toward her.
In parallel developments in court on Friday, Judge Arun Subramanian signaled a possible juror replacement due to discrepancies found in the juror’s residence declarations. Initially, the juror claimed to reside in the Bronx during selection but allegedly disclosed moving to New Jersey to a court staffer. The judge heard explanations about maintaining a New York driver’s license and weekday turns in New York. Decisions about this juror’s dismissal hinge on residency testament authenticity, as only New York residents are eligible for the jury.
Rejecting the juror could affect the court’s diversity balance; however, Combs’ defense countered the removal citing potential racial biases, which the judge suggested wouldn’t compromise the jury’s diverse nature, regardless of outcomes.