Sean “Diddy” Combs hasn’t even heard a verdict in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that’s not stopping his inner circle from already making moves behind the scenes.
According to a bombshell report from Rolling Stone, multiple associates close to the music mogul have begun quietly engaging with Donald Trump’s team, laying the groundwork for a possible presidential pardon, just in case Diddy ends up convicted.
The charges Diddy is facing are no joke. He’s staring down allegations of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and violating federal prostitution laws. If convicted, he’s looking at 15 years to life in federal prison. And even though the trial is ongoing and no outcome has been decided, Diddy’s longtime allies aren’t waiting for the jury, they’re working the political angles early.
Sources told Rolling Stone that several of Diddy’s friends have already started “making connections with the Trump team,” hoping to secure a path to freedom if things go south in court. Their pitch to Trump? That he and Diddy are both powerful businessmen being unfairly targeted by the Southern District of New York. Diddy’s people are trying to draw a parallel between the two men, painting them as victims of what they claim are “baseless” sexual assault allegations.
It’s a risky play, but there’s history between these two. Trump and Combs have reportedly maintained a personal friendship for over a decade. Trump even described Diddy as a “good friend of mine” during a 2012 episode of Celebrity Apprentice. Beyond reality TV, Trump was also a regular guest at Diddy’s star-studded birthday parties over the years, and the two have crossed paths often in New York’s social circles.
That friendly connection could be Diddy’s best shot if he ends up needing a presidential favor. Trump has proven he’s not shy about issuing pardons to polarizing figures. He pardoned Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, Steve Bannon, and others in his final days in office. If Diddy’s team can sell Trump on the idea that this is just another witch hunt by politically motivated prosecutors, there’s a real chance he could consider it, especially if Trump sees a win in backing a fellow celebrity and old acquaintance.
No official comment has been made by Trump or his spokespeople about the pardon chatter. But according to the report, talks are very much alive behind closed doors. And with Diddy’s trial grabbing more headlines every day, those whispers are likely to get louder.
So far, Diddy hasn’t publicly acknowledged the report, but the urgency from his side suggests his legal team and inner circle are bracing for a possible worst-case scenario. Even if the charges are ultimately dismissed or he’s found not guilty, it’s clear the mogul is preparing for every possible outcome, including pulling political strings.
This development comes amid mounting legal pressure on Combs. The charges, which stem from a broader investigation into sex trafficking and misconduct involving multiple women, are part of a federal case being handled in New York. The same district has been central in numerous high-profile prosecutions, and Diddy’s camp believes it’s the same team that’s now aggressively going after him.
And while it might sound far-fetched, a Trump pardon for Diddy isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility. Trump has shown time and again that he values loyalty, public influence, and the media spectacle. Diddy, with his decades-long career, cultural influence, and personal rapport with Trump, fits that mold.
At this point, all eyes are on how the case unfolds. But one thing’s for sure, Diddy and his team aren’t just fighting this in court. They’re playing a high-stakes game of political chess too.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
