Sean "Diddy" Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, was pardoned by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2025. Combs had been arrested and charged on September 16, 2024, with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He had pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing but was denied bail on multiple occasions.
Combs' trial was scheduled for May 5, 2025. If found guilty, he faced a potential life sentence.
The pardon was announced by Trump on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. Rapper and fashion designer Kanye "Ye" West, a known Trump supporter, had publicly pleaded for the pardon. West had posted a series of messages on X, urging Trump to "FREE MY BROTHER PUFF."
The pardon has sparked controversy, with many criticizing Trump for pardoning Combs while he faces serious allegations.
Combs' representatives have repeatedly stated that "We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason and without any proof. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court."