During a press conference on Friday, President Donald Trump stated he would consider a possible pardon for Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music executive currently facing trial in New York for alleged sex trafficking and other offenses.
Trump’s surprising remark came during a news conference when questioned about potentially pardoning Combs. “Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it,” Trump stated. “I think some people have been very close to asking.”
Combs faced accusations in September of engaging in racketeering, drugging, and coercing women into sexual activity with himself and others. A conviction could result in a life sentence.
The federal investigation into Combs was partly motivated by a 2023 civil lawsuit from Combs’ former partner, Cassie Ventura, alleging physical abuse and rape. Although the case was settled quickly, numerous other victims subsequently filed lawsuits against Combs with similar sexual assault claims.
Combs initially denied Ventura’s allegations. However, in May 2024, security footage surfaced from a Los Angeles hotel hallway showing Combs assaulting Ventura in 2016. Combs later released a video statement on Instagram calling his behavior “inexcusable.”
His legal team has acknowledged his violence toward Ventura but maintains his innocence regarding the current charges. Combs has consistently denied any sexual assault.
Trump stated he hasn’t been following the trial, which began in early May, but acknowledged its extensive media coverage.
The President added that he hasn’t seen or spoken to Combs in years, though they had crossed paths in the past as fellow New Yorkers. “He used to really like me a lot,” Trump said about their past relationship. “I think when I ran for politics…that relationship busted up, from what I read. I don’t know—he didn’t tell me that, but I’d read some little bit nasty statements.”
Trump and Diddy both attended the 2005 Art for Life Gala honoring Diddy at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. They were also photographed with First Lady Melania Trump at a United Nations event in 2008. “I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
A pardon for Combs, if convicted, would be a highly contentious decision, considering the sexual assault allegations and intense public scrutiny surrounding the case. However, Trump has already issued pardons to several celebrities during both his first and second terms, including reality TV personalities and rapper NBA YoungBoy this month. He has also issued a blanket .
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