Former U.S. President Donald Trump has clarified why granting a presidential pardon to rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs may not be a favorable decision, attributing it to Diddy’s political opposition during the 2016 and 2020 election campaigns.
According to GistTide, Trump, during a Newsmax interview, acknowledged having once shared a friendly relationship with Diddy. However, he said the rapper’s open hostility towards him during his presidential run has made the possibility of a pardon far more complicated.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile. This makes pardoning more difficult to do,” Trump explained.
This statement comes after legal representatives for Diddy reportedly reached out to Trump’s team, seeking a presidential pardon following Diddy’s recent conviction.
In July, Diddy was convicted on two counts of interstate prostitution, charges that could land him up to 20 years in federal prison. His next court appearance is set for October 2025.
Though he was acquitted of more serious federal charges, such as sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, Diddy’s legal team remains in talks with Trump’s administration regarding a possible pardon. Nicole Westmoreland, one of Diddy’s lawyers, confirmed that discussions have already begun.
Diddy was arrested in September 2024 after over 120 individuals, including a minor and his former partner, Cassie Ventura, made serious allegations against him. He was denied bail and has remained in custody ever since.
The situation continues to generate heated debate, especially with Trump now weighing in on the possibility of leniency. However, his remarks strongly suggest that political differences may ultimately stand in the way of a presidential pardon.
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