The possibility of a presidential pardon for the recently imprisoned music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs remains a topic of discussion, following comments from former President Donald Trump.
Trump, speaking to reporters, confirmed that Combs had personally requested a pardon from him. The former president referred to the mogul by his former stage name, “Puff Daddy,” in his remarks. This acknowledgment comes just days after Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison on charges related to prostitution.
The topic arose as Trump fielded questions about other high-profile clemency cases. He stated that while many individuals have sought pardons, Combs was among them. This public confirmation follows earlier reports from last summer suggesting Trump was weighing such a move.
In previous interviews, Trump had characterized the decision as “difficult,” citing a shift in their relationship after he entered politics. He suggested that Combs, once friendly, became “very hostile” following his presidential campaign. Despite this, Trump has previously asserted that personal feelings would not dictate his judgment, promising to “look at the facts” if he were to consider a pardon.
Absent any executive intervention, Combs is set to serve a 50-month sentence. During the sentencing hearing, the presiding judge delivered a stern rebuke, stating the mogul had abused his victims “physically, emotionally and psychologically.” The judge cited Combs’s “power and resources” as factors that allowed the misconduct to continue undetected, emphasizing the need for a “meaningful sentence to protect the public.”
The former president’s latest comments keep the question of clemency for the disgraced entertainment figure in the public eye, though no formal action has been taken.
