Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has reportedly reached out to former President Donald Trump’s administration to discuss the possibility of a pardon ahead of Combs’ sentencing.
With less than two months remaining before his sentencing date, the music mogul’s attorney, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed the discussions.
Legal Team’s Hopeful Effort for a Pardon
In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, August 5, Westmoreland explained that they had initiated contact with Trump’s administration regarding a potential pardon.
“It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Westmoreland said, adding that Combs remains hopeful about the outcome.
When asked about how Combs feels about the situation, Westmoreland noted, “He is a very hopeful person and I believe that he remains hopeful.”
A White House official, however, declined to comment on whether there had been any clemency request made, with a spokesperson saying they would not comment on the existence or nonexistence of such a request.
Combs’ Conviction and Legal Battles
After a nearly two-month federal trial in New York, Combs was convicted on July 2 on two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Combs has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024.
His legal team has made several attempts to secure his release on bail, all of which have been unsuccessful. The most recent attempt, filed on August 4, was also denied by Judge Arun Subramanian.
Combs’ sentencing is set for October 3, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Trump’s Comments on the Possibility of a Pardon
Trump was asked about the possibility of pardoning Combs earlier in May, even before the conclusion of the trial. At the time, Trump stated he “would certainly look at the facts,” adding that he would consider a pardon if he felt someone had been mistreated.
On August 1, Trump was questioned again about a potential pardon for Combs during an interview with Newsmax. Trump described Combs as “sort of half-innocent,” but didn’t offer a definitive stance on whether he would grant a pardon.
“I don’t know what they do, still in jail or something. But he was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn’t as good of a victory,” Trump said.
Trump and Combs’ History
Trump and Combs have crossed paths several times over the years, especially during the 1990s and 2000s. Trump mentioned in the Newsmax interview that he had been “very friendly” with Combs at one point and that they “got along great.”
However, Trump added that their relationship became strained when Combs made some “terrible statements” while Trump was running for office.
“We’re human beings. We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements,” Trump said, explaining why it would make a potential pardon more complicated. “So, I don’t know. It’s more difficult. Makes it more, I’m being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”
The Road Ahead
As the October sentencing date approaches, the question of a pardon continues to linger. Combs’ legal team remains hopeful, but the outcome remains uncertain as the clock ticks down.
With Trump’s previous statements and ongoing legal proceedings, it’s unclear whether a pardon will be granted, and what the future holds for the music mogul.
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