A White House official on Tuesday firmly rejected a report claiming that President Donald Trump is contemplating commuting the prison sentence of music mogul Sean Diddy Combs as early as this week. The speculation originated from a report by TMZ, which indicated that Trump was indecisive regarding a potential commutation for Combs, citing anonymous sources within the White House.
The official clarified the situation in a statement to NBC News, asserting, “There is zero truth to the TMZ report, which we would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news.” The official emphasized that the President, and not unnamed sources, is the ultimate authority on matters of pardons and commutations.
Casey Carver, a spokesperson for TMZ, responded to the White House’s denial, stating succinctly, “We stand by our story.” Meanwhile, Combs' legal team did not provide an immediate comment regarding the conflicting statements between the White House and TMZ's reporting. However, attorneys for Combs had previously informed NBC News that they are actively seeking a pardon for their client.
Sean Diddy Combs was convicted in July on two counts related to transportation to engage in prostitution, although he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking. On October 3, a federal judge sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison, imposed a fine of $500,000, and mandated five years of supervised release. Combs has pleaded not guilty and continues to assert his innocence.
In an interview with Newsmax on August 1, President Trump was asked about the possibility of pardoning Combs. Trump noted their past amicable relationship, stating, “I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great and seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well.” However, he also remarked on Combs’ “hostile” demeanor during his presidential campaign, indicating that this would complicate any decision on a pardon.
Trump elaborated, “When you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements. So, I don’t know, it’s more difficult. It makes it more — I’m being honest, it makes it more difficult to do.”
During his presidency, Trump has issued several high-profile and controversial pardons and commutations. In January, he pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals associated with the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In May, he granted clemency to reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. Most recently, he commuted the sentence of former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Sean Diddy Combs has requested to serve his sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix, a low-security federal prison located in New Jersey, but the Bureau of Prisons has yet to approve this request. Along with his 50-month sentence, Combs faces stringent conditions during his supervised release. Court documents indicate that he must attend regular meetings with his probation officer, avoid drug use, and take a drug test within 15 days post-release, followed by two further tests.
Moreover, Combs is required to participate in an outpatient program, which includes mental health treatment and a program focused on domestic violence. On Monday, Combs' attorneys filed a notice of appeal in federal court, aiming to overturn his conviction and sentence. A representative from the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comments concerning the anticipated appeal.