Diddy’s Attorney Confirms Contact With Trump Administration About Possible Pardon: ‘He’s Still Hopeful’

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s legal team has formally initiated discussions with the White House regarding a potential presidential pardon. Convicted last month on two felony counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution, Combs remains detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center ahead of his October 3 sentencing, where he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Nicole Westmoreland, speaking to CNN, confirmed that the defense has made inquiries about clemency but declined to name the White House contacts or predict the outcome of these overtures.

The verdict arose from allegations that Combs oversaw a criminal network implicated in sex trafficking, forced labor, drug offenses, kidnapping and arson. While acquitted of racketeering and more severe trafficking charges earlier this year, he was found guilty on two prostitution-related counts.

Any pardon for Combs would follow a slate of controversial clemencies issued by President Trump during his second term—including commutations for Todd and Julie Chrisley, over 1,500 January 6 rioters, Steve Bannon, Rod Blagojevich, and several hip-hop artists such as NBA YoungBoy, Michael “Harry-O” Harris, Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.

On Newsmax last week, Trump entertained the idea of pardoning Combs, describing him as “essentially half-innocent” and recalling their erstwhile friendship. Yet he cautioned that Combs’s subsequent criticisms of his presidency could jeopardize any reprieve.

Pressed on whether those remarks would definitively block a pardon, Trump conceded that they made clemency “more likely a no.”

Once frequent companions at social events, Combs publicly distanced himself from Trump in 2017, labeling him unfit to lead. After Trump’s 2020 electoral defeat, Combs urged that “getting Trump out of office” be treated as a top priority.

Despite the uncertainty, Westmoreland said Combs remains hopeful. A White House spokesperson, however, refused to confirm or deny receipt of any clemency petition.

Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly condemned the pardon rumors on X, arguing that Combs is undeserving and that such a decision could alienate GOP supporters—particularly young women.

Combs remains in custody after a judge denied his fifth bail application, despite an offered $50 million bond. His sentencing is scheduled for October.

Watch CNN’s report on the pardon discussions below:

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