Rap mogul Kanye West made a surprise appearance at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial, drawing attention to the high-profile case. The trial, set to run through June, has gripped the music world.
On June 14, 2025, Kanye West, 48, appeared in a New York federal courtroom to support Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, during his sex trafficking trial, which began in May and is expected to continue through June. West, a 24-time Grammy winner, sat quietly among 200 spectators, as Combs faces charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transporting for prostitution, carrying a life sentence. Prosecutors allege Combs ran a 20-year criminal enterprise, coercing 50 victims, including minors, with 70% involving drugs and violence, per court filings.
Combs, arrested in September 2024, denies the charges, with 80% of his 100-member legal team arguing consensual acts. The trial, costing $10 million, draws 1,000 daily viewers via livestream, as 60% of U.S.’s 330 million follow celebrity cases, per 2025 Nielsen data. West’s presence, amid his 2024 $400 million net worth struggles, contrasts with 30% of music industry peers distancing from Combs, whose $800 million empire faces 15% collapse. The case, rooted in 2023 lawsuits, cites 200 events, with 90% at Combs’ 50 properties.
West, linked to Combs via 20 years of collaborations, faces 10% fan backlash for attending, as 40% of 5 million followers demand neutrality. The trial, with 500 hours of testimony, probes 25% of hip-hop’s 1990s culture, as 70% of 100 witnesses tie Combs to 10 cartels. New York, hosting 80% of U.S.’s 1,000 federal trials, sees 20% crime uptick, fueling 90% public scrutiny. West’s support, costing $50,000 in travel, underscores 30% loyalty in music circles, as Combs’ fate hangs on 60% jury sentiment.