Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking a presidential pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump as he awaits sentencing following his recent conviction on prostitution-related charges.
One of Combs’ lawyers, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed the move during an interview with CNN on Tuesday. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” she said.
Nonetheless, Trump downplayed the possibility of granting such a request. The former president made an appearance in an interview with Newsmax on Friday, describing, “I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great and he seemed like a nice guy.”. I didn’t know him, but when I was campaigning, he was really nasty.” When asked whether he would pardon Combs, Trump replied, “I would say so, yeah,” implying a likely denial.
Combs, 55, was convicted last month by a jury in New York on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution offenses each punishable by up to 10 years behind bars. But he was acquitted of more severe racketeering and sex trafficking charges after an extended and highly publicized trial that involved horrific claims of abuse.
Combs is to be sentenced on Oct. 3.
