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Kanye West reportedly wants to attend Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal trial in New York to publicly support the embattled music mogul.

The 47-year-old rapper, who now goes by Ye, made a surprise appearance at the courthouse and quickly learned what a tough ticket it is to get into the courtroom where his good friend Combs is on trial.

Ye, wearing all white, was ushered by courthouse security to an overflow courtroom to watch the trial on a video monitor along with others who were unable to get into the courtroom. He lasted only a few minutes there before he made his courthouse exit, saying nothing during his trip except that he was there to support Combs.

A source has told CNN he has been communicating with 26-year-old Christian 'King' Combs, one of Combs' sons, about possibly joining the family in court once the defence begins presenting their case.

An insider "close to Combs" told the network: "Ye has been in touch with Christian and would like to attend the trial with the family to show his support."

Combs' federal trial, which includes serious charges against the 55-year-old such as sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution, has so far featured appearances in court from several members of Combs' family, including his sons.

Prosecutors are expected to conclude their case next week, paving the way for the defence to begin calling witnesses - a point at which Kanye may make an appearance.

Combs has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has denied all allegations of misconduct.

More than 60 civil suits have also been filed against Combs, alleging sexual assault or other abuses on top of his criminal trial.