With less than two months until his sentencing, one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys revealed that efforts have been underway to seek a pardon from President Donald Trump.
“It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Nicole Westmoreland, part of Combs’ legal team, told CNN in an interview aired Tuesday, Aug. 5.
However, sources familiar with the situation have disputed this narrative. PEOPLE was told that Combs’ legal team has not made any formal contact with Trump or his administration.
“People in Diddy’s world and orbit are reaching out to his administration for a pardon, but not his legal team,” one insider close to the rap mogul told PEOPLE. “They have nothing to do with it — but they are aware it’s happening.”
Regarding Combs’ own outlook on the possibility of a pardon, Westmoreland told CNN, “He is a very hopeful person, and I believe that he remains hopeful.”
A White House official declined to comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request.
On July 31, Rolling Stone reported that longtime allies of Combs approached political operatives, lobbyists, and others connected to Trump’s circle and government officials, reportedly offering substantial sums in exchange for assistance in securing a presidential pardon. Three sources familiar with these discussions told the magazine that at least one offer was in the mid-six-figure range. However, these offers reportedly came with conditions — notably that most of the money would only be paid after a pardon was granted.
“This is such bulls—,” another source close to Diddy told PEOPLE. Two other knowledgeable sources echoed skepticism about the claims.
Westmoreland also told Piers Morgan on Wednesday, Aug. 6, “We’re laser focused on preparing for October 3… You want to do what is right and fair,” adding, “I think being pardoned would be the right thing to do. We’re hopeful.”
After a nearly two-month federal trial that captured national attention, Combs was convicted on July 2 of two felony counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. He was acquitted on the more serious charges of racketeering and *** trafficking — a partial victory in a case that has followed one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.
Combs, who has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024. His legal team has filed five unsuccessful bail motions, with the most recent denial occurring Monday, Aug. 4, when U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian ruled Combs remained a flight risk.
His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 3, with a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Westmoreland told CNN the defense plans to file an appeal “as soon as possible.”
When asked in May whether he would consider pardoning Combs, President Trump said, “[I] would certainly look at the facts. If I think someone was mistreated, it wouldn’t matter whether they like me or not.”
In an Aug. 1 interview with Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty, Trump was less definitive when pressed again about Combs.
“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 and Combs have a long history, frequently crossing paths during the 1990s. Trump recalled their friendship during a Newsmax interview, noting he “got along great” with Combs and referencing a memorable photo from the opening of Justin’s, Combs’ upscale Atlanta restaurant.
That relationship deteriorated once Trump entered politics. Combs, who was once part of Trump’s social circle, became a vocal critic during his presidency — something Trump has not forgotten.
“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 said. “So, I don’t know. It’s more difficult. Makes it more, I’m being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”
When asked if a pardon was unlikely, Trump replied, “I would say so.”
