How Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team is reportedly begging former President Trump for mercy just weeks before sentencing.

 The Stunning Court Verdict That Shook the World

On July 2, 2025, a federal jury in New York delivered a jaw‑dropping verdict: Sean “Diddy” Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution—legal charges carrying up to 20 years behind bars. The trial, which began in May and lasted nearly two months, acquitted him of the more serious charges such as racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force. The charges stem from allegations that Combs brought ex‑girlfriends and male sex workers across state lines to participate in drug‑fueled orgies—referred to persistently in court as “freak‑offs” .

By the time sentencing is scheduled, on October 3, 2025, Combs will have already spent over a year in custody at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024 .

 Rejected Bail Attempts: Diddy Stays Behind Bars

Despite five attempts to secure bail—including a massive $50 million bond deal with stricter conditions—every motion was flatly denied. Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that Combs posed a “risk of flight or danger” and that no “exceptional reasons” justified early release, even after personal letters on his behalf from a former girlfriend surfaced in court filings .

 Enter the Pardon Playbook: Defense Team Reaches Out to Trump

In a stunning twist, one of Combs’ attorneys, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed to CNN that his legal team has “reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon” with the Trump administration—less than two months before sentencing .

Westmoreland emphasized that Diddy remains “a very hopeful person” and continues to believe in a slim chance of clemency. Despite this, the White House has declined to confirm if an actual request has been formally filed .

 Trump Speaks: “More Difficult” But Not Impossible?

Donald Trump has publicly addressed the possibility—and revealed why it may be off the table. In a Newsmax interview streamed August 1, Trump acknowledged he and Combs were once friendly, saying he “got along with him great”. But when Combs ran for office, Trump said, “he was very hostile”, calling it a major barrier to granting clemency .

Trump added:

“Well, he was essentially … sort of half‑innocent. … He was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn’t as good of a victory.”
“We’re human beings … but when … he made some terrible statements … it’s more difficult. … Makes it more, I’m being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”

This evaluation hints at principled ambiguity—Trump says he would examine the facts, but personal grievances may cloud his judgment.

 The Fallout: Celebrities, Critics, and the 50 Cent Angle

Public figures are weighing in. Rapper 50 Cent, a longtime critic and rival of Combs, has publicly pledged to lobby Trump against any pardon. On The View, hosts criticized the idea of clemency; Sunny Hostin described the thought of a Diddy pardon as “shameful”. Sara Haines delivered an ill‑timed joke about Diddy that drew audience groans, forcing an on‐air apology during a segment discussing Trump’s pardon controversies with other rappers .

 Why This Matters: What’s at Stake

Infamous Precedent: Trump has previously pardoned controversial figures like Ross Ulbricht (Silk Road) and Todd and Julie Chrisley. A pardon for Combs would set another high-profile precedent and reignite debates around celebrity clemency and racial justice in America .
Prison Time vs. Celebrity Brand: Diddy’s convictions could mean years in prison—they reportedly plan to seek 3–5 years, though prosecutors could push for longer. A pardon would let him sidestep prison altogether, preserving his empire and legacy .
Public Pressure Builds: With the trial exposed to intense media scrutiny and survivors sharing painful testimony, the optics of a pardon carry serious public relations risk for Trump or any official supporting it.

 Countdown to October 3: Why Time Is Running Out

With sentencing just weeks away, Diddy’s team is doubling down. There’s little time to file formal clemency petitions, rally public support, or sway key influencers. While inquiries to Trump may be preliminary, they might send shockwaves through the legal and political worlds if a formal pardon is requested—and considered.

 Final Thoughts: The Risky Gamble That Could Change Everything

Sean “Diddy” Combs, once a global music icon, now stakes his freedom in political appeals—betting on a pardon from a president he once attacked. The move is audacious. But in a world where presidential clemency for celebrities is no longer unheard of, it’s not impossible.

Still, Trump’s own admission that the past hostility makes pardon “more difficult” casts a long shadow. Even if the door isn’t fully slammed shut, it’s far from wide open .

If October 3 brings a harsh sentence, some will ask: Did Diddy gamble on the wrong man?

What Could This Mean for Diddy’s Fate?

If the gamble pays off, Combs might avoid prison entirely—and stage a comeback. But if Trump follows through on his skepticism, the entertainment mogul could be looking at years of incarceration. His team may prepare for the worst, but for now: the pardon play is on.