Music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently convicted on prostitution-related charges, is seeking a presidential pardon from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to one of his attorneys.
Nicole Westmoreland, a member of Combs’ legal team, disclosed the development in an interview with CNN on Tuesday.
“It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Westmoreland stated.
However, former President Trump has expressed reluctance to consider granting clemency to the 55-year-old music mogul. Speaking to Newsmax on Friday, Trump said that although he had once shared a cordial relationship with Combs, the rapper became critical of him during his presidency.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy,” Trump said. “I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office, he was very hostile.”
When asked directly if that meant he was disinclined to issue a pardon, Trump replied:
“I would say so, yeah.”
Combs was found guilty last month by a New York jury on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. He was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, following a lengthy and high-profile trial marked by allegations of abuse.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 3.
AFP
