Latest news with #DeathRowRecords
Black America Web
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Black America Web
Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump?
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty As Donald Trump continues his second term with a controversial string of presidential pardons, the former reality star turned commander-in-chief is now entertaining the idea of possibly granting clemency to embattled hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. During a recent press conference, Trump was asked whether he would consider pardoning Combs, who is currently on trial in New York facing charges that include sex trafficking, racketeering, and coercion. The former president didn't say no; instead, he left the door wide open. 'First of all, I'd look at what's happening. And I haven't been watching it too closely,' Trump admitted. 'But I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.' Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges, is currently standing trial after a string of civil lawsuits and a federal indictment painted him as the alleged leader of a violent criminal enterprise; he faces a potential life sentence if convicted on the most serious counts. The charges stem in part from a 2023 civil suit filed by his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, which alleged years of physical and sexual abuse. Though that lawsuit was quickly settled, it opened a floodgate of accusations from multiple women, prompting a federal investigation. Then, in May 2024, damning security footage surfaced showing Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016. The graphic footage led to Combs issuing an apology, calling his actions 'inexcusable,' though he continues to deny all allegations of sexual assault. Still, Trump seems unbothered by the optics of even floating the idea of a pardon in a case so widely publicized and emotionally charged. 'Whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact,' he said. 'If I think somebody was mistreated, I would look at the facts.' Source: Ron Galella / Getty Trump's comments reignited debate around the use—and abuse—of presidential pardon power. In the first months of his second term, Trump has issued dozens of pardons, including clemency for reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, rapper NBA YoungBoy, and a blanket pardon for all January 6th rioters. His track record for celebrity-centric or politically charged pardons has sparked concern about how presidential clemency is being leveraged for personal narratives, culture war fodder, or social media applause. Trump's musings on Diddy's legal future also rekindled public memory of their past relationship. The two were once seen at high-profile events together, including a 2005 gala at Mar-a-Lago and a 2008 U.N. fundraiser. 'He used to really like me a lot,' Trump noted, before implying that their relationship soured after he entered politics. 'I'd read some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden.' The comments come on the heels of a recent interview with Suge Knight, former CEO of Death Row Records, who also floated the idea that Trump could be Diddy's best shot at clemency. If Trump were to act on it, the move would undoubtedly add to the long and growing list of headline-grabbing pardons that have become a hallmark of his presidential legacy. Still, this is not merely a legal or political story—it's a moral one. The question isn't just whether Trump can pardon Diddy, but whether he should. With multiple women accusing Combs of violent and coercive behavior, a pardon would not only dismiss the severity of the charges but also further erode public trust in the justice system — particularly for victims of sexual violence. And yet, in Trump's America, celebrity, proximity, and popularity often blur the lines between accountability and absolution. As Trump himself said, 'It's not a popularity contest.' But as he also made clear: 'I would certainly look at the facts.' For a president who's never shied away from turning the criminal justice system into a tool of spectacle and loyalty, it wouldn't be surprising if the facts ultimately mattered less than the headlines. The question now is: will Diddy become the next recipient of presidential mercy, serving as another reminder that in this political era, justice often comes with a price tag? SEE ALSO: Report: Elon Musk Allegedly Used Heavy Drugs While Courting Trump Thanks To Donald Trump, The American Dream Is Dead SEE ALSO Pardon For Pay: Will Diddy Be The Next Celebrity Pardoned By Trump? was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
50 Cent says he will dissuade Trump from potential Diddy pardon
Rapper Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson said he would contact President Trump to dissuade him from considering a pardon for Sean 'Diddy' Combs if the embattled rapper and producer is found guilty in his ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Trump said he would 'look at the facts' when asked Friday if he would consider pardoning Combs. 'First of all, I'd look at what's happening. And I haven't been watching it too closely,' Trump said of the trial. He added, 'So, I don't know. I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me wouldn't have any impact.' 50 Cent criticized Combs in a Friday post on Instagram, claiming he has 'said some really bad things about Trump.' 'I'm gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy,' the 'In Da Club' rapper added, saying he would contact Trump about Combs. He doubled down in a subsequent Instagram post, writing that Trump 'doesn't take well to disrespect.' 'He would consider pardoning anyone who was being mistreated not Puffy Daddy,' 50 Cent added. Suge Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, also fanned the fire of speculation by suggesting earlier this week that Combs would receive a pardon if he's convicted. 'I think he got some favors with the government. I think they're going to show him a little leeway. It might not seem like it when it's all said and done, but I don't think he had nothing to worry about,' Knight told NewsNation. 'I don't think he's worried, because he's going to be federal. And if he gets convicted, Trump's going to pardon him.' Trump has made headlines with his recent pardons, which included reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Savannah Chrisley, one of the Chrisley's daughters, said Trump told her on the phone that 'you guys don't look like terrorists.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hill
50 Cent says he will dissuade Trump from potential Diddy pardon
Rapper Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson said he would contact President Trump to dissuade him from considering a pardon for Sean 'Diddy' Combs if the embattled rapper and producer is found guilty in his ongoing federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Trump said he would 'look at the facts' when asked Friday if he would consider pardoning Combs. 'First of all, I'd look at what's happening. And I haven't been watching it too closely,' Trump said of the trial. He added, 'So, I don't know. I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me wouldn't have any impact.' 50 Cent criticized Combs in a Friday post on Instagram, claiming he has 'said some really bad things about Trump.' 'I'm gonna reach out so he knows how I feel about this guy,' the 'In Da Club' rapper added, saying he would contact Trump about Combs. He doubled down in a subsequent Instagram post, writing that Trump 'doesn't take well to disrespect.' 'He would consider pardoning anyone who was being mistreated not Puffy Daddy,' 50 Cent added. Suge Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, also fanned the fire of speculation by suggesting earlier this week that Combs would receive a pardon if he's convicted. 'I think he got some favors with the government. I think they're going to show him a little leeway. It might not seem like it when it's all said and done, but I don't think he had nothing to worry about,' Knight told NewsNation. 'I don't think he's worried, because he's going to be federal. And if he gets convicted, Trump's going to pardon him.' Trump has made headlines with his recent pardons, which included reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Savannah Chrisley, one of the Chrisley's daughters, said Trump told her on the phone that 'you guys don't look like terrorists.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What Snoop Dogg Has Learned About Himself After Following Sean 'Diddy' Combs' Federal Trial
Rap mogul and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg has recently shared his thoughts on Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ongoing federal trial. During a recent podcast appearance, Snoop Dogg—known for his diverse business ventures, including Death Row Records and Leafs By Snoop—also revealed that hearing witness testimony in Diddy's trial has inspired him to be a better businessman. On a recent episode of "The Shade Room Live," Snoop Dogg was asked about Diddy's trial—now in its third week—and revealed he was surprised by some of the details emerging from the witness stand. "Very surprised. I'm ultimately surprised. I don't be expecting none of these things to be happening," he said before admitting Diddy's trial has helped him realize he wants to be better, considering his "position of power." "Given my position of leadership, I like to take advantage of it and treat people good and make sure that people that work with me don't feel like they work for me," Snoop said. "And when they're ready to leave, and if we have a misunderstanding, if there is a separation, it's ended on love. It's never bad vibes or anything of that nature." And that's not all that the "Drop It Like It's Hot" rapper reflected on. He also said that watching Diddy's legal woes play out has made him realize he wants to be a "better boss." He explained that when he was "just an artist," he paid close attention to how people with authority behaved. "I try to take the good things that they did and subtract the bad things that they did," Snoop continued. "Some of the things I didn't know what they did because I was only entitled to certain information as an artist or a friend. So as a businessman, I've learned to just be good to people, because I know what it feels like to have bad business done on you." During this past week's witness testimony, one of Diddy's former assistants alleged that the rapper and father of seven once kidnapped her at gunpoint, reportedly in a plot to kill fellow rapper Kid Cudi. For context, Kid Cudi, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, had previously testified that Diddy allegedly broke into his home several years ago after learning Cudi was dating Diddy's then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Kid Cudi also testified that Diddy allegedly set his Porsche 911 convertible on fire with an incendiary device, saying, "The top of my Porsche was cut open and that's where they inserted the Molotov cocktail." Also on the stand, Cassie shared harrowing testimony about her decade-long relationship with Diddy and also described the first time the rapper allegedly told her about his desire to see her have sex with other men. "I was 22 at the time, my stomach churned, didn't have a concept of how that would be a turn on, but I accepted the responsibility," Cassie testified. "I was confused, nervous, but also loved him very much and wanted to make him happy." Later, the "Me & U" singer told the court about the sexual orgies Diddy allegedly planned (which he reportedly dubbed "Freak Offs"), and how her participation in them became all-consuming. She testified that the elaborate sexual encounters, which left her feeling "disgusting" and "humiliated," would last for hours, with the longest lasting "four days." During the alleged "freak offs," Cassie explained on the stand that she'd have sex with male escorts, usually while under the influence of illicit drugs. One male performer, named "The Punisher," took the stand during the trial and testified about his involvement in the alleged orgy, and said he was paid $2,000 to create a "sexy scene" with Cassie for Diddy to masturb-te to. A week after his testimony, "The Punisher" apologized to Cassie for his role in the matter, saying he had "no idea [of] what she was going through." "Obviously, my involvement kind of furthered her suffering. Me, knowing that as a man, being raised by a single mom and a grandma, just the thought of partaking in a scenario where a woman is possibly being abused is tough to hear. I would just apologize to her and tell her that I was really remorseful and regret if I contributed to a bad experience for her," he finished.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Will Trump consider pardoning Diddy if the rapper is convicted?
Former President Donald Trump has signaled he may be open to pardoning rapper Diddy Combs if he believes the music mogul has been treated unfairly during his federal trial on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said, 'I would certainly look at the facts,' when asked if he would consider a pardon for Combs, who pleaded not guilty last year to multiple charges, including leading a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking, forced labor, and bribery. Trump said he hasn't followed the case closely and hasn't been in contact with Combs 'in years.' He recalled their past friendship, which reportedly cooled after Trump entered politics, saying, 'He used to really like me... but I read some not-so-nice things later.' Trump emphasized that his decision wouldn't be based on personal feelings, stating, 'Whether they like me or don't like me wouldn't have any impact.' Fox News's Peter Doocy pointed out that Trump once referred to Diddy as a "good friend" on The Apprentice, adding another layer to the renewed public interest. The possibility of a pardon gained traction earlier this month when Suge Knight, the former Death Row Records CEO, suggested Trump could intervene on Combs' behalf. In his second term, Trump has already issued hundreds of pardons—including for January 6 defendants and reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley—drawing both praise and criticism for his aggressive use of clemency powers.
