Madison Burgess
A White House spokesperson has firmly shut down the claims that Donald Trump is considering pardoning Diddy for his crimes.
The wild rumour first emerged when TMZ reported on Monday (20 October) that the US president, 79, was considering commuting the disgraced rapper's sentence 'as early as this week,' attributing the claim to a 'high-ranking White House official'.
The publication alleged that according to their source, Trump was 'vacillating' on a commutation, despite White House staff reportedly urging him not to.
TMZ claims their source said: "Trump will do what he wants."
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However, as we say, a White House official has since confirmed there is 'no truth' to the source-based claim and branded it as 'fake news'.
The official told NBC: "There is zero truth to the TMZ report, which we would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news.
"The President, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations."
But, it looks like TMZ are also not backing away as they have since edited their story to make it clear they're doubling down.
In an update added yesterday (21 October) the article reads: "The White House Communications Office is saying our story is not true. We stand by our story. Our story is accurate."
According to Sky News, back in August, before Diddy's sentencing, Trump said in an interview that he had been approached about a possible pardon but implied he would not be granting one.
He said: "You know, 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. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile."
Trump was then asked if he was suggesting he wouldn't pardon Combs, he replied: "I would say so."
The Republican leader continued: "When you knew someone and you were fine, and then you run for office, and he made some terrible statements.
"So, I don't know, it's more difficult. Makes it more - I'm being honest, it makes it more difficult to do."
Earlier this month, Diddy, 55, was sentenced to just over four years in prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges involving two of his ex-girlfriends.
In July, he was found not guilty in July of the most serious charges against him, which were racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking of Cassie Ventura and a woman referred to as 'Jane'.
He was, however, convicted on two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The music producer pled not guilty to all charges following his initial arrest in September 2024.
The BBC reported yesterday that attorneys for Diddy have reportedly notified a US federal court of their plans to appeal.
They reported that his lawyers filed a notice of appeal on Monday and are expected to submit the formal documents soon.