Ye, previously Kanye West, had a short but widely reported trip to the Manhattan federal courthouse on Friday, where hip-hop billionaire Sean “Diddy” Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. Ye wore a white outfit and entered the building during the recess in a trial and remained onsite for approximately 40 minutes but did not appear in the main courtroom. Rather, he watched proceedings on a closed-circuit monitor in an overflow room.
When questioned by journalists if he was there to testify for Combs, Ye nodded and responded with a simple “yes” before hurrying away through an elevator. He refused to respond to additional questions, including whether he would take the stand for the defense, which is set to start delivering its case next week. Ye left the courthouse without adding anything further, slipping into a waiting black Mercedes.
Combs, 55, has entered pleas of not guilty to the charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors allege that he used his fame and wealth during more than two decades to practice violent and coercive criminal activity.
Ye’s appearance was a day after a woman, identified in court as “Jane,” finished testifying for six days. She described her relationship with Combs from 2021 through to his arrest in 2023, recounting episodes of coercion, including being compelled to have sex with male sex workers in the presence of Combs.
Jane also testified during her testimony about a January 2023 trip to Las Vegas with a well-known rapper who is good friends with Combs. The rapper, whose name was not provided, was identified as an “icon” in the music business by Jane. She told of a hotel party involving a prostitute, group voyeurism, and an incident in which the rapper made a lewd pass at her. She testified she danced and exposed her breasts at the party.
