Disgraced hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently behind bars, awaiting sentencing after being convicted on two felony counts related to the transportation of individuals for prostitution. Now, his legal team is pursuing a high-profile lifeline — a presidential pardon.
In an interview with CNN, Diddy’s attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed that efforts are underway to seek clemency. “Diddy’s attorney confirms they’ve contacted the Trump administration regarding a potential pardon, stating, ‘He remains hopeful,'” Westmoreland said, while withholding specifics on who within the Trump administration was contacted or how those discussions have progressed.
Combs, 55, faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison following his October 3 hearing. His conviction stems from a sweeping investigation that accused him of running a criminal enterprise involved in forced labor, drug trafficking, arson, kidnapping, and sex crimes. Ultimately, he was found guilty of two prostitution-related charges but was acquitted of more serious counts such as sex trafficking and racketeering.
The possibility of a Trump pardon is not far-fetched, given the former president’s history. During his second term, Trump has handed out several controversial pardons, including to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, over 1,500 Capitol rioters from January 6, ex-adviser Steve Bannon, and former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Trump has also granted clemency to hip-hop figures like NBA YoungBoy, Death Row Records co-founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris, Lil Wayne, and Kodak Black.
When asked recently by Newsmax if he would consider pardoning Combs, Trump responded vaguely. “Well, he was essentially half-innocent… I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great and he seemed like a nice guy,” Trump remarked. However, he noted that Combs’ past criticism might impact the decision, referencing Diddy’s public opposition during Trump’s presidency. “It’s more likely a no,” Trump added.
Trump and Combs once shared a cordial relationship, frequently seen at parties and public events. But in 2017, Diddy made headlines after telling the Daily Beast he didn’t “really give a f–k about Trump.” He later escalated his criticism in a 2020 interview with Charlamagne Tha God, calling for Trump’s removal from office and accusing “white men like Trump” of harming the nation.
Despite this, Westmoreland insists Combs is still looking ahead with optimism. “Diddy’s attorney confirms they’ve contacted the Trump administration regarding a potential pardon, stating, ‘He remains hopeful.'” Meanwhile, the White House declined to confirm or deny the existence of a clemency request.
Not everyone is supportive of a possible pardon. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly criticized the idea on social media, writing, “He doesn’t deserve it. He’s a Trump hater. He’s a woman abuser. MAGA is already upset over elites seeming to cover for each other. This would not help.”
Diddy is currently being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center. A judge has denied his bail five times, most recently rejecting a $50 million bond offer from Combs’ legal team.
As speculation swirls, the ultimate decision now rests with Trump — and whether political loyalty will outweigh controversy.
