Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reached out to Donald Trump, having written a handwritten letter requesting a pardon for his offenses.
Combs was sentenced to 50 months in prison on charges linked to prostitution following a federal investigation that targeted the rapper.
The investigation included raids on properties associated with Combs, which have been depicted in documentaries detailing his past in disturbing detail.
Combs faced conviction on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. However, he was acquitted by a jury on the more severe charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Donald Trump has disclosed that Combs sent him a handwritten note asking for a presidential pardon, marking a significant move by the embattled musician.
Images from the 1990s capture Trump and Combs together at events during the zenith of Combs’ fame.
Trump has stated that after reviewing the letter, he will not fulfill Combs’ request for a pardon.
Previously, the US president accused Combs of making ‘nasty statements’ during the 2016 presidential race.
In a 2025 media interaction about Combs, Trump remarked: “I haven’t seen him, I haven’t spoken to him for years… I don’t know. I would certainly look at the facts.
“If I think somebody was mistreated it wouldn’t matter whether they like me or don’t.
“I got along with him great. Seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile. … It’s hard.”
He elaborated: “We’re human beings. We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But 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. Makes it more, I’m being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”
Recent news articles have indicated that Combs sent Trump the letter last month, which was reported by the New York Times as a pardon request.
Combs made the request less than three months into his prison sentence.
When questioned by journalists about Combs’ plea, Trump responded: “Oh, would you like to see the letter?”
The New York Times later pointed out that Trump did not present the letter publicly.
Combs’ appeal comes amidst growing scrutiny of Trump after images surfaced showing him with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
While Trump has not faced any charges concerning his ties to Epstein, the photos have increased public demands for details about his relationship with Epstein.