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Sean "Diddy" Combs, the embattled hip-hop mogul convicted last month on federal prostitution charges, is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon ahead of his sentencing in October. According to his attorney Nicole Westmoreland, Combs' legal team has initiated contact with the White House, though she declined to specify who was involved in the discussions or what progress has been made.
Combs, 55, was convicted on two felony counts related to the transportation of individuals for prostitution purposes, following a high-profile federal trial. While he was acquitted of more serious charges—including sex trafficking and racketeering—the music executive remains behind bars at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center. He faces up to 20 years in prison and is set to be sentenced on October 3.
The charges stem from a sweeping federal indictment last year that painted a grim portrait of a criminal operation allegedly involving forced labor, drug crimes, kidnapping, and more. The trial’s outcome left Diddy facing significant time in prison, despite being cleared of the most damning allegations.
With hope of avoiding a lengthy sentence, Combs’ team is now exploring whether a pardon from President Donald Trump could offer a way out. Trump, now serving his second term in office, has a history of controversial clemency decisions—including for celebrities and political allies alike. Past pardons have gone to reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, former advisor Steve Bannon, and hip-hop artists such as Kodak Black, Lil Wayne, and NBA YoungBoy.
When asked recently about the possibility of granting a pardon to Diddy, Trump told Newsmax that the decision wasn’t straightforward. “He seemed like a nice guy… but he was very hostile to me when I ran for office,” Trump said. He added that Combs’ past criticism of him, including public comments calling for his removal from office, could weigh against the decision: “More likely a no,” the President concluded.
Trump and Combs were once familiar faces at the same social events, but their relationship reportedly soured during Trump’s first presidency. Combs made headlines in 2020 for calling Trump a danger to the country and saying he “didn’t really give a f–k” about the former president.
Despite Trump’s uncertainty, Combs’ attorney says the music mogul is remaining optimistic. “He’s a very hopeful person,” Westmoreland told CNN.
Critics of a potential pardon, however, are speaking out. Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly voiced strong opposition on social media, calling Combs a “woman abuser” and arguing that pardoning him would alienate young female voters. “This would not help,” she warned.
Diddy remains in custody after a judge denied his fifth bail request, even after his team offered a $50 million bond. With his sentencing just two months away, whether or not a pardon will come through remains to be seen.
SOURCE: Billboard