In a dramatic and unexpected move, Kanye “Ye” West made a brief appearance at the federal courthouse in Manhattan on Friday morning, showing up in support of longtime friend and fellow music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. Combs is currently at the center of a high-profile federal trial involving serious charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and abuse. Ye’s arrival instantly triggered chaos among reporters and onlookers, further intensifying the media spotlight surrounding the already explosive case.
Dressed in a white denim jacket and wearing dark sunglasses, West arrived shortly before 11:30 a.m., remaining inside the courthouse for about 40 minutes. While he didn’t make any official statements or answer questions from the press, both CNN and the Associated Press reported that he was there to support Combs. However, when asked if he planned to testify on Diddy’s behalf, West remained silent.
Instead of entering the main courtroom—where the trial is now entering its sixth week—West was quietly escorted into a private overflow room equipped with closed-circuit televisions. According to a source who spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, this separate room was opened specifically for West, allowing him to observe the proceedings privately without joining the public gallery.
As news of Ye’s presence spread throughout the courthouse, pandemonium broke out in the media overflow room on the 24th floor. Journalists and livestreamers abandoned their spots, racing up and down stairwells in search of the rapper. West’s presence created such a stir that coverage of the trial itself momentarily took a backseat to the hunt for a glimpse of the controversial artist.
When the court session broke for lunch, word began circulating that Kanye had already exited the building. A crowd of fans, reporters, and livestreamers who had gathered outside in hopes of seeing him slowly began to disperse, disappointed that he would not be returning for the afternoon session. Once again, West left the courthouse without offering any comments.
Ye’s public support for Combs adds another layer of controversy to an already fraught case. In recent years, West has drawn widespread backlash for his antisemitic remarks and polarizing public behavior. Still, he remains one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture—and his handshake with Combs’ son, Christian Combs, outside the courtroom did not go unnoticed.
Diddy’s trial is one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the entertainment world. With testimony from numerous witnesses, including fellow rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, the allegations paint a dark picture of abuse and manipulation. Ventura, who first sued Combs in November 2023, settled the case just a day later for a reported $20 million and has since testified as a victim in the current trial.
As the legal proceedings continue, Ye’s surprise visit may be brief in duration, but it has added to the media firestorm and ongoing public fascination with the downfall of one of music’s most powerful moguls.