President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing the option of granting a pardon to music mogul Sean Diddy Combs, who is currently behind bars in Brooklyn ahead of his sentencing in October.
Although acquitted earlier this month of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, Diddy, 55, was convicted on two counts related to prostitution. He faces up to 10 years in prison.
A source familiar with internal White House deliberations told Deadline that the idea of a pardon has moved beyond whispers, saying it is now being treated as an actionable event.
Trump, when asked back in May, acknowledged that while nobody’s asked, he was aware people are thinking about it. In his typical fashion, he added, I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me it wouldn’t have any impact.
The former producer, once known for his close ties to the political elite and celebrity circles, is now facing a drastically different reality as legal experts debate the nature of his conviction.
Attorney John Koufos, who has been in contact with key figures in Trump’s pardon advisory circle, noted the case might align with Trump’s long-standing criticism of overcriminalization and a perceived “weaponization” of the justice system.
While some have raised questions about the strength of the charges, others argue the outcome already reflects leniency. “Had he been convicted of RICO, you’d be looking at something different, Koufos said. There’s nothing particularly sympathetic here.
Still, allies close to Trump, including Alice Marie Johnson, a former federal prisoner Trump pardoned in 2018, are said to be involved in discussions. Johnson, alongside Trump’s pardon attorney Ed Martin, could be instrumental in pushing the decision through.
Meanwhile, rapper 50 Cent warned against clemency. He accused Diddy of disrespecting the president and vowed to personally reach out to dissuade Trump.
Donald doesn’t take well to disrespect, 50 wrote. “There is no room for distraction. He would consider pardoning anyone who was being mistreated not Puffy Daddy.
