EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump is seriously considering offering a full presidential pardon to Sean “Diddy” Combs prior to the sentencing of the convicted Bad Boy Records founder later this year.
Nearly two months after Trump expressed interest in a Diddy pardon during a press gathering at the Oval Office, a source from the administration informs Deadline that a comprehensive pardon for Combs is being “seriously considered.”
In addition, various supporters of the embattled “All About the Benjamins” artist have been lobbying the White House, and insiders assert that this discussion has progressed from mere speculation to a tangible possibility since Combs was found partially guilty in his sex-trafficking trial earlier this month. However, given the unpredictable nature of Trump’s world, any decision regarding a Combs pardon remains uncertain until formally manifested.
Combs has been repeatedly denied bail and could face two to three years in federal prison following his sentencing on October 3 by Judge Arun Subramanian. This potential sentence would account for the time already served. Despite this, an appeal is anticipated to be initiated by his extensive legal team immediately after sentencing.
When approached by Deadline, Combs’ defense team, led by Marc Agnifilo and Teny Gerago, declined to comment on the pardon discussions. While many associates of Combs are actively pushing for intervention from the White House, the defense team itself has had minimal involvement in these efforts. An administration official stated that the “White House will not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request.”
Following a notable verdict from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York on July 2, which resulted in Combs escaping the gravest charges, Trump remarked that he would “certainly look at the facts” before making a decision on a pardon, particularly if he believes someone has been mistreated.
Once supportive of Trump, Combs became critical during the latter’s first term and supported Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Their relationship has spanned decades, with Trump once describing Combs as a “good friend” in 2012.
