US President Donald Trump has stated that he does not rule out the possibility of pardoning rapper Sean Combs, known as P. Diddy. He is under investigation for serious charges, including sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering. This was reported by The Washington Post.
The publication emphasizes that Trump has repeatedly used his presidential pardon power for his allies, celebrities, and friends. Recently, he used it for rapper NBA YoungBoy, convicted of illegal possession of weapons, as well as reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who was found guilty of fraud and tax evasion.
On May 30, during Combs’ hearing in a New York court, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy asked Trump if he would pardon the musician, with whom he once had a friendly relationship. Trump replied that he was willing to consider the matter.
“I haven’t talked to him in many years. He used to like me very much. But it seems that when I went into politics, our relationship changed. If I see that he has been mistreated, I will consider a pardon, regardless of whether he likes me,” the US president said.
The famous rapper 50 Cent (real name Curtis Jackson), who has long been in conflict with P. Diddy, reacted to these words. The artist said he would do everything possible to dissuade the US leader from his intention.
Shawn Combs was arrested on September 16 after a months-long investigation into allegations of sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He currently faces seven criminal charges. In the following months, several more lawsuits were filed with the New York Supreme Court, one describing years of harassment by the musician.
In addition, according to the investigation, Diddy organized parties with elements of orgies, in which celebrities such as Jay-Z, Ben Stiller, Ashton Kutcher, Paris Hilton, and Serena Williams could participate. On October 1, another complaint was filed, containing allegations of sexual assault from 120 people.
Combs does not admit his guilt, but the court has twice denied him bail. The rapper is being held at the Metropolitan Federal Detention Center in Brooklyn. Court hearings in his case began on May 5.