Donald Trump stated that it would be “difficult” for him to pardon rapper Sean Diddy Combs, who was recently found guilty on two counts of organizing prostitution. Although it is not yet known what sentence he will receive, Diddy has requested temporary release from custody until sentencing on October 3rd, but it appears he will remain behind bars until then.
Trump, who in the past pardoned various public figures such as rapper NBA YoungBoy (accused of firearm possession) and reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley (convicted of tax fraud), was now asked whether he would do the same for Diddy.
Although he admitted they “got along well” at one time, he added that the relationship cooled significantly when he entered politics and became President of the United States (U.S.). “We were on friendly terms; he seemed like a good guy. But as soon as I ran for office, he became very hostile,” Trump said in an interview.
Trump reminded the public that Diddy had previously called him various offensive names. In 2017, he publicly stated that he didn’t care about Trump, while in 2020, he said, “White people like Trump must be removed. Priority number one is to get Trump out of office.”
Trump has now admitted that such statements do influence his decisions: “We’re human beings. We’re not supposed to let emotions affect judgment, but it’s not easy. It’s harder to pardon someone who attacked you,” he said, then added that the answer to the question of a pardon would be “probably no.”
Diddy’s legal team claims they are not even aware of a possible pardon, and lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo said: “I’m not involved in that in the slightest. I literally have no idea. Sometimes I think there’s nothing to it, and sometimes maybe something’s going on. But I don’t know what’s in Trump’s head. Honestly, I have no idea.”
It should be recalled that Diddy was found not guilty on July 2nd on two counts of sex trafficking using force, fraud, or coercion, as well as for conspiracy within a criminal organization (RICO).
However, he was not fully cleared of guilt – the court found him guilty on two counts of prostitution, each carrying a maximum prison sentence of ten years. The sentencing is scheduled for October 3rd.
Although he is not facing a life sentence, Combs remains under public and judicial pressure, as dozens of other lawsuits have been filed against him, alleging sexual harassment and other forms of illegal behavior.
