U.S. President Donald Trump is considering stepping into the legal case involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently being held in a Brooklyn jail ahead of his sentencing.
Diddy, 55, was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges earlier this month but was found guilty on two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution. He now faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for October 3.
Talks of a possible pardon have surrounded the case since the trial began, but new reports suggest Trump is now “seriously considering” it. According to Deadline, the idea has moved from speculation to something that may actually happen.
In May, when asked about Diddy’s trial, Trump said no one had approached him about a pardon yet but admitted, “I know people are thinking about it.”
“I would certainly look at the facts,” Trump added. “If I think someone was mistreated — whether they like me or not — that wouldn’t matter.”
Trump’s longtime focus on criminal justice reform, including his push against what he calls the “weaponization” of the justice system, may be influencing his interest in the case.
Legal experts have also raised questions about the charges. Attorney John Koufos, who works closely with Trump’s pardon team, said while Diddy’s actions seem obvious, the government may have overreached by initially including racketeering charges.
“There’s nothing particularly sympathetic here, but he wasn’t convicted of RICO,” Koufos said, referring to the federal racketeering law. “That makes a difference.”
Rapper 50 Cent, a known rival of Diddy, posted on Instagram that he would speak to Trump and urge him not to grant a pardon. “Donald doesn’t take well to disrespect,” 50 wrote.
Diddy remains in custody as the countdown to his sentencing continues. Whether Trump follows through on the intervention is still uncertain.
