Sean 'Diddy' Combs seeks presidential pardon from Trump for prostitution conviction

Musician and hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' defence team is seeking a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump.

NBC News reported that a source close to Combs' legal team said on Tuesday (Aug. 5) that this is regarding Combs' recent conviction for prostitution.

The source told NBC News that the team has been in contact with the Trump administration.

The White House responds

CNN earlier reported in an interview with defence team member Nicole Westmoreland that the Trump administration was approached.

The White House said: "The White House will not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request."

Trump told Newsmax in an interview that “they have talked to me about Sean” but did not announce a decision.

Charges

Last month, Combs was convicted of two counts of interstate prostitution.

He will be sentenced in October, where he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

He previously faced charges of one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion as well as two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.

He was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking but found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.

NBC News reported that when the verdict was read out, Combs fell to his knees in prayer and his family clapped and cheered.

Music career and future

Combs founded Bad Boy records in 1993, which Business Insider estimated to be worth US$100 million (more than S$128 million) at its peak.

Forbes estimated that in 2023, Combs' net worth was around US$90 million (more than S$115 million).

According to federal prosecutors, Combs allegedly sexually abused women, forcing them into “freak offs" involving drugs. 

On Monday (Aug. 4), a federal judge denied Combs' attempt to be released on bail. This means Combs will be detained until his October sentencing.

In the interview with Newsmax, in response to whether granting a pardon was more likely to be a "no" for Combs, Trump said: "I would say so."

Trump added that Combs was "very hostile" when he ran for office.

Top photos via AFP and Unsplash