Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly pleading with U.S. President Donald Trump for a pardon following his recent conviction.
The 55-year-old rapper was found guilty by a New York jury on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
Each charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
According to his legal team, Combs has already reached out to Trump. His lawyer, Nicole Westmoreland, told CNN on Tuesday that discussions about a possible pardon had taken place.
“It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” she confirmed.
However, Trump appears unwilling to help. Speaking during a Newsmax interview on Friday, the president reflected on his past relationship with the rapper.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy,” Trump said.
But the tone quickly changed. Trump said that Combs became openly critical during the 2016 election. “I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” he added.
When asked if he still had plans to offer a pardon, Trump made his stance clear. “I would say so, yeah,” he said, suggesting he would not consider clemency for the embattled star.
Last month, Combs was cleared of more serious allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
However, the prostitution-related convictions still carry significant consequences.
The trial was high-profile and highly controversial. Throughout the proceedings, the court heard shocking details of abuse, coercion, and manipulation.
Combs has denied all wrongdoing. His legal team is reportedly planning to appeal the decision.
For now, however, his focus remains on avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 3. If the court imposes the maximum penalty, Combs could face 20 years behind bars.
Legal experts say the sentencing outcome will depend heavily on the judge’s interpretation of the evidence and whether Combs shows remorse.
Trump has issued pardons to several celebrities and political allies in the past.
However, in Combs’ case, political tension and personal history may block any attempt at forgiveness.
AFP.