Diddy Reaches Out to Trump for Pardon Ahead of Sentencing
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump as he awaits sentencing on two federal charges of transporting individuals for prostitution. The charges each carry a sentence of up to ten years, putting the 55-year-old hip-hop icon at risk of serving up to 20 years in prison.
Diddy’s legal team, led by attorney Nicole Westmoreland, has already initiated discussions with Trump’s camp regarding a possible pardon. In an interview with CNN, Westmoreland confirmed that outreach has begun, though she stopped short of confirming whether a formal application has been submitted.
The music executive was recently cleared of more serious allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking, but his conviction on lesser charges has still caused a major stir in the entertainment world. His sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025, and preparations are reportedly in full swing to explore every legal avenue before that date.
Trump, who has issued high-profile pardons in the past, spoke about the matter in a separate interview with Newsmax. He acknowledged having a cordial relationship with Diddy in the past, stating that they “got along great,” but noted that the rapper became hostile during the 2016 presidential campaign. This shift in their dynamic appears to be influencing Trump’s reluctance to grant a pardon.
“I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” Trump said.
While Trump admitted to once getting along with Combs, his comments suggest that the former president is not inclined to intervene in the case. His statement, “I would say so, yeah,” has been widely interpreted as a polite refusal to offer clemency.
Diddy’s request for a pardon is part of a broader legal strategy aimed at minimizing the fallout from the conviction. Legal analysts suggest that the outreach to Trump may be a long shot, given the political undertones and Trump’s current stance.
The case continues to attract national headlines, not just because of Diddy’s celebrity status but also due to the serious nature of the charges and the possibility of a prolonged prison term. As the October sentencing date approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on the Bad Boy Records founder and the unfolding legal and political drama surrounding his future.
