Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, made a brief appearance at Sean “Diddy” Combs’s Manhattan sex-trafficking trial on 13 June, shortly after a witness testified about a “freak off” involving a “famous rapper and his wife”, a reference many speculate was aimed at West and his wife Bianca Censori. The surprise visit came during an intense week of testimony from a witness identified only as “Jane Doe”, who alleged that Combs arranged group sex encounters, coercing her into acts with male escorts and celebrity guests.

During one such event, Jane claimed a high-profile couple participated in what she described as a degrading and traumatic experience.

“He brought in a famous rapper and his wife.”

Jane told the court, prompting audible reactions from courtroom attendees.

Though West’s name was not explicitly mentioned in her statement, social media was quick to speculate after Ye appeared at the courthouse dressed in all white, accompanied by Christian King Combs, the rapper’s son. West was denied access to the main courtroom due to capacity issues and instead watched proceedings from an overflow room for about 30 minutes.

When asked if he was there to support Diddy, West replied simply:

‍“Yes.”

The trial, now in its fifth week, has featured harrowing testimony detailing alleged abuse spanning decades. Prosecutors argue that Combs, 55, used his wealth and celebrity status to manipulate and exploit women, orchestrating what they describe as a sex-trafficking ring disguised by his fame. Diddy’s legal team has denied all accusations, claiming any sexual encounters were consensual and that the charges are an overreach.

With testimonies due to conclude later this month, the court will soon enter the defence stage. Combs faces several felony counts including sex trafficking and racketeering, and could serve life in prison if convicted.