During a press briefing on Friday, a reporter asked Donald Trump if he would consider pardoning Sean” Diddy” Combs if the music mogul is found guilty at his federal sex trafficking trial. The reporter who inquired if Trump would consider pardoning Diddy prefaced the question by saying that Trump had previously referred to Combs as his friend. Trump had publicly called Diddy his friend in 2012, long before he ran for president and before Combs found himself in deep legal trouble.
Trump Says He Has Not Spoken To Diddy
“I haven’t seen him, I haven’t spoken to him for years,” Trump said. “I don’t know. I would certainly look at the facts. If I think someone was mistreated, it wouldn’t matter whether they like me or don’t.” Trump added that he had not been formally asked to pardon Diddy if he is found guilty, but added, “I know they’re thinking about it. I think people have been very close to asking.”
Diddy Faces Multiple Charges
Diddy faces multiple charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution in New York. If he is found guilty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. It is week three of Combs’ trial, and this week the federal jury heard testimony from R&B singer Cassie Ventura, who is Combs’ ex-girlfriend. Ventura is also the catalyst for his dramatic downfall. She cried as she testified about the “freak offs” that she was forced to endure throughout the 11 years that they dated.
Victims Testify About Abuse
Another assault victim, known only as “Mia,” also testified. She shared that during the nine years she worked as his assistant and film executive, Diddy had assailed her four separate times. Throughout the trial, numerous celebrity names have been mentioned, including Michael B. Jordan, Britney Spears, Kid Cudi, and the late legend, Prince.
Diddy Continues To Deny All Charges
Back in September, Combs was arrested and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs continues to deny all allegations. His defense team argues that all of the sexual encounters were consensual. His defense team also argues that any violence that took place was in no way sex trafficking and that the women who are accusing him are doing so for financial gain.
Trump Has Pardoned Celebrities
While in the White House, Trump has pardoned celebrities several including rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black. Both men were convicted of federal weapons charges. Just this week, Trump pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley. The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of tax evasion and bank fraud. Trump called Chrisley’s daughter, Savannah, to tell her that he had issued her parents full pardons.
