In a major twist just before closing arguments, federal prosecutors in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ criminal trial announced they are dropping several high-profile charges — raising speculation about behind-the-scenes politics and even a potential presidential pardon.
Prosecutors submitted a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian explaining that the move was intended to “simplify” jury instructions. But the dropped charges — including kidnapping, attempted arson, and portions of the aiding and abetting sex trafficking allegations — appear to reflect weaknesses in the government’s case.
The timing has sparked renewed attention on Donald Trump’s long-standing friendship with Diddy. In a 2012 episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump called him “a good friend” and said, “I love Diddy.” In 2015, Diddy confirmed the relationship, telling The Washington Post that “Donald Trump is a friend of mine, and he works very hard.” When asked in May 2025 whether he’d consider pardoning Diddy, Trump replied that no formal request had been made — but acknowledged, “people are thinking about it.” Former Death Row Records boss Suge Knight even suggested that a Trump pardon is likely if Diddy is convicted.
According to TMZ, prosecutors have now dropped the kidnapping charge related to Diddy’s former employee, Capricorn Clark, who was allegedly forced to take a lie detector test after being suspected of stealing jewelry. Claims that singer Cassie Ventura was kidnapped and held at the London Hotel are also no longer part of the case. Prosecutors reportedly admitted they “failed” to meet the burden of proof on those accusations.
Even more surprising was the decision to withdraw the attempted arson charge. That count stemmed from allegations that Diddy, in a jealous rage, arranged to blow up rapper Kid Cudi’s car. However, prosecutors struggled to tie Diddy directly to the incident and ultimately removed the charge from the jury’s consideration. Both the kidnapping and arson allegations were key components of the broader racketeering charge that Diddy still faces — signaling a narrowing of the case.
As for the sex trafficking allegations, prosecutors clarified that the main charges remain, but the jury will no longer consider aspects involving aiding and abetting. The strategy seems aimed at sharpening the focus on the core accusations that are easier to prove.
Despite the dropped charges, the prosecution is pushing for strong jury instructions related to consent — emphasizing that consent in sex trafficking cases can be revoked at any point, even if someone initially agreed to engage in sexual activity. This instruction is seen as crucial to the government’s remaining case, especially in relation to high-profile witnesses like Cassie and another woman referred to only as “Jane.”
While Diddy still faces serious charges, the sudden dismissal of several key allegations has raised eyebrows. With Trump hinting at the possibility of a pardon and political allies watching closely, some are wondering: is the legal tide turning in Diddy’s favor?
