Kanye West, now known as Ye, made a surprise appearance at Lil Durk’s federal murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles on August 27, 2026. According to TMZ, Ye attended the proceedings at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse, where Durk’s high-profile criminal trial is currently underway.
Footage from outside the courthouse later showed Kanye arriving for the hearing. Complex also reported that Ye was seen supporting Durk and displaying a “Free Durk” shirt.
Kanye West and Lil Durk’s Musical Connection
Kanye and Lil Durk have worked together several times during their careers. Durk appeared on Kanye’s Donda, VULTURES 1, and VULTURES 2, making their professional relationship a familiar one for fans.
Ye’s appearance also came shortly after Machine Gun Kelly attended the trial. MGK later explained his decision on social media, writing,
“this been my bro for a decade / when he called and asked if id pull up and support / im there no question / free durk.”
MGK had watched the proceedings from an overflow room.
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, has been in federal custody since his October 2024 arrest. Prosecutors allege he was involved in a murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 death of King Von.
Prosecutors claim the alleged plot resulted in the 2022 shooting death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab. Durk has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing as the trial continues.
