The White House dismissed as “completely fraudulent” a report published by TMZ claiming President Donald Trump was weighing a commutation for imprisoned music producer Sean “Diddy” Combs, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.
TMZ’s October 20 article alleged, citing what it called a “high-ranking White House official,” that President Trump was “vacillating” on whether to commute Combs’ 50-month sentence for violating the Mann Act and could sign an order “as early as this week.”
The entertainment outlet further claimed some staffers were advising against the move but suggested the final decision rested solely with the President.
The White House swiftly rejected the claims. A spokesperson told the Daily Mail that “there is zero truth to the TMZ report,” adding that the outlet failed to seek confirmation before publishing.
“We would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news,” the spokesperson said. “The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations.”
Combs, 55, was convicted earlier this year on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution, a federal offense under the Mann Act.
He was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The rapper and music executive is currently serving his 50-month sentence and has completed roughly 13 months so far.
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With credit for time served, he could be eligible for release in about two years if no commutation occurs.
TMZ’s report also claimed Combs’ legal team had been in contact with a “high-ranking White House official” shortly after sentencing and that Trump acknowledged awareness of the request.
Attorney Nicole Westmoreland, a member of Combs’ defense team, confirmed in August that outreach had taken place. “It’s my understanding that we’ve reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon,” Westmoreland said at the time.
In a Newsmax interview earlier this month, President Trump appeared to rule out granting clemency to Combs. “I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great, and he seemed like a nice guy. I didn’t know him well,” Trump said.
“But when I ran for office, he was very hostile. That makes pardoning him more difficult to do.”
The White House emphasized that the TMZ report “circumvented standard verification procedures” and reiterated that no discussions on Combs’ case were underway.
Combs’ conviction followed a lengthy federal investigation that included multiple witnesses and seized digital evidence. He remains incarcerated at a federal correctional facility pending appeal.
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