Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has confirmed that efforts are underway to seek a presidential pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the rapper’s upcoming sentencing. However, sources close to the matter suggest it is not Combs’ official legal representatives behind the push—but rather individuals within his personal circle.
“People in Diddy’s world and orbit are reaching out to his administration for a pardon, but not his legal team,” a source familiar with the situation told People Magazine, following Combs’ attorney Nicole Westmoreland’s appearance on CNN on August 5.
“They have nothing to do with it, but they are aware it’s happening,” the source added, clarifying that while the legal team is not directly involved in requesting clemency, they are not oblivious to the efforts taking place.
The news of the pardon request comes as Combs faces a serious legal battle. He was convicted earlier this year on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and is scheduled for sentencing on October 3. The music mogul could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
In her interview with CNN, Westmoreland acknowledged discussions regarding a pardon. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” she said.
Describing Combs’ mindset amid the legal turmoil, she added, “He is a very hopeful person, and I believe that he remains hopeful.” The White House, however, has declined to offer any clarity on the matter.
A White House official told CNN, “We will not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request.” President Trump has previously addressed the possibility of pardoning Combs. In an interview with Newsmax in May, Trump said, “If I think someone was mistreated, it wouldn’t matter whether they like me or not.”
However, he also acknowledged that Combs’s vocal criticism of his presidency complicates the matter. When asked whether that criticism would make a pardon less likely, Trump admitted, “I would say so.”
As the October sentencing date looms, attention is intensifying around the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure presidential clemency.
While no formal request has been publicly confirmed, insiders suggest that Diddy’s allies are quietly working to influence a decision that could significantly alter the rapper’s legal fate. For now, Combs remains hopeful, but the path to a presidential pardon remains uncertain.