Diddy’s Attorney Says They’ve ‘Reached Out’ to Trump for Pardon Ahead of Sentencing

One of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ attorneys revealed that the legal team has reached out to President Donald Trump’s administration seeking a pardon, with less than two months remaining before Combs’ sentencing.

“It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Nicole Westmoreland, a member of Combs’ defense team, told CNN during an interview that aired on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

When asked about Combs’ outlook on the possibility of a pardon, Westmoreland described the music mogul as “a very hopeful person,” adding, “I believe that he remains hopeful.”

A White House official told CNN they “will not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency

After a nearly two-month federal trial in New York, Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on July 2. He was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges.

The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024. His defense team has filed five unsuccessful bail motions, with Judge Arun Subramanian denying the latest request on Monday, Aug. 4.

Combs’ sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3, and he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

In May, prior to the conclusion of Combs’ trial, Trump was asked about the prospect of granting a pardon. The president responded that he “would certainly look at the facts,” adding, “If I think someone was mistreated it wouldn’t matter whether they like me or don’t.”

Trump addressed the issue again during an interview with Newsmax on Aug. 1.

“Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” Trump said. “I don’t know what they do, still in jail or something. But he was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn’t as good of a victory.”

Trump’s connection to Combs dates back to the 1990s and 2000s. He told Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty that he was “very friendly” with Combs at one point and “got along with him great.”

However, Trump acknowledged that he “didn’t know him well” and described Combs as “very hostile” during his own presidential campaign.

“We’re human beings. We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements,” Trump explained. “So, I don’t know. It’s more difficult. Makes it more, I’m being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”