Former President Donald Trump was recently asked whether he would pardon music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently on trial for sex trafficking, racketeering, and related charges in New York. Combs, who faces five criminal counts, has pleaded not guilty.
The trial, now in its third week, has included testimony from ex-girlfriend Cassie, who alleges years of abuse, as well as rapper Kid Cudi, who claimed Diddy was involved in the 2012 firebombing of his Porsche. A male escort known as “The Punisher” also testified about alleged sexual encounters involving Combs.
Trump, who was once photographed frequently with Combs and referred to him as a friend in the early 2000s, responded to the question during a press conference.
“Nobody’s asked, but I know people are thinking about it,” Trump said. “I’d look at what’s happening…I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
He acknowledged their past friendship but suggested their relationship faded after he entered politics: “He used to really like me, but I think that ended when I ran.”
Trump added that friendship wouldn’t influence his decision on a potential pardon. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t, it wouldn’t matter to me.”
His comments come days after he pardoned reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley and rapper NBA Youngboy, who publicly thanked Trump for the opportunity to “keep building—as a man, as a father, and as an artist.”
