P Diddy's pal Kanye West makes unexpected court appearance

Daily Mirror

17 hours ago

The trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs has entered its 23rd day at a New York courthouse. Federal agents are being examined as part of the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, controversial rapper Kanye West has arrived to show his support for the disgraced star. West entered the courthouse on Friday wearing an all white outfit, while accompanied by two security guards.
Diddy, 55, is currently facing a number of serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex ­trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in September and strongly denies all allegations made against him. He has been in prison since his arrest, and a number of bail requests have been rejected.
Diddy's former assistant, Jonathan Perez, is on the stand.
He is testifying under an immunity order. Outside of the jury, he invoked the Fifth Amendment, meaning he could testify under immunity, which was granted by Subramanian.
Perez is the fourth witness to testify under immunity.
Although the jury is currently on a break, prosecutor Maurene Comey mentioned an issue with the judge.
During the cross-examination of Special Agent LaMon by the defence, Comey said Diddy was "nodding emphatically" and was also nodding during the cross-examination of his ex-girlfriend, Jane, earlier this week.
Comey said even if Diddy was not looking directly at the jury, he shouldn't be nodding in this way. Meanwhile, defence attorney Brian Steel said that Diddy had not been looking at the jury or acting in an unprofessional way. "Mr. Combs did nothing inappropriate at all today or any day, actually," Steel said.
Judge Arun Subramanian noted a discussion amongst lawyers last week after Diddy was believed to be trying to interact with the jury. He said that both sides have made the boundaries clear. He said: "There's going to be some amount of reaction to testimony that is given, and it is impossible to police every reaction from every person in this courtroom," adding that any attempts to communicate with the jury would not be allowed.
Comey stated that she was not suggesting that Diddy be removed but believed it was inappropriate for him to be nodding while his lawyer asked a witness a question.
Defence attorney Marc Agnifilo cross-examined Special Agent Andre LaMon who had been testifying about his involvement in the Homeland Security Investigations following the search on Diddy's LA home in March 2024.
When quizzed, LaMon said he was aware that a security detail protected Diddy's home and there was a security room where the firearms had been discovered.
No guns or ammunition were found anywhere else on the property.
Diddy's friend and rapper Kanye West has arrived at court.
He emerged from a black Maybach outside the courthouse on Friday, which is day 23 of Combs' trial. He was accompanied by two security guards and shook hands with members of the public as he was escorted inside.