White House Denies Report Trump May Commute Diddy’s Sentence — But TMZ Stands by Its Story

UPDATE (October 21, 6:33 AM PT): The White House Communications Office has officially denied reports that former President Donald Trump is considering commuting Sean “Diddy” Combs’ prison sentence. However, TMZ, which first published the story, insists its reporting is accurate, stating, “We stand by our story. Our story is accurate.”

According to TMZ, a senior White House official has confirmed that Trump is actively weighing the possibility of commuting Diddy’s current 50-month prison sentence — and could announce a decision as early as this week.

Trump Reportedly “Vacillating” on Decision

The insider told TMZ that Trump has been “vacillating” on the matter and facing mixed opinions from his advisers. While several members of the White House staff have urged him not to grant clemency, others have reportedly suggested that a high-profile commutation could send a strong political message.

One source told TMZ:

“Trump will do what he wants,” adding that the former president could decide to set Diddy free at any time this week.

If approved, the commutation would drastically reduce Diddy’s sentence. The rapper and music mogul — currently serving 50 months in federal prison for violating the Mann Act, a law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for illicit purposes — has so far served 13 months. With time credits, he could have been released in roughly two more years, but that timeline would be irrelevant if Trump signs the order.

Legal Team’s Outreach and Trump’s Reaction

Sources close to the situation told TMZ that almost immediately after Diddy’s sentencing earlier this month, his legal team reached out to a high-ranking White House official known to have the president’s ear regarding pardons and commutations.

Within days, Trump himself publicly acknowledged that he was aware of the request, confirming to reporters that a formal appeal for leniency had reached his office.

This development follows Trump’s recent decision to commute the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, a move that drew widespread media attention last week.

A Complicated Relationship Between Trump and Diddy

Despite their past association — Diddy famously attended Trump’s events during the early 2000s — the two men have had a strained relationship in recent years. Diddy publicly endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, a decision that reportedly cooled relations between the two.

Even so, according to TMZ’s sources, Trump has not ruled out showing leniency toward the embattled hip-hop mogul. “The option is very much on the table,” one source familiar with the discussions said.

Background on Diddy’s Conviction

Diddy was convicted earlier this year for violating the Mann Act, following an investigation that began in late 2023. The case, which drew significant public attention, centered on allegations that the music executive had transported individuals across state lines under questionable circumstances.

His legal team has maintained that the case was “politically charged” and that the sentence was “excessive and unfair.”

A commutation, if granted, would not erase the conviction but would reduce or eliminate the remaining prison time, allowing Diddy to regain his freedom while maintaining a criminal record.

White House Response and Ongoing Controversy

The White House Communications Office, in a statement reported by NBC News, said the TMZ report is “inaccurate” and that there are no active plans to issue a commutation for Diddy. Still, TMZ has reiterated its confidence in its sources, maintaining that discussions about clemency are indeed happening behind the scenes.

Political analysts note that Trump has a long history of high-profile clemencies, including those granted to Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, and Alice Marie Johnson during his presidency. If Diddy were added to that list, it would further cement Trump’s pattern of extending mercy to prominent cultural figures.

What Happens Next

As of now, no official decision has been announced, and representatives for Diddy have declined to comment. Sources close to the musician say his team remains “hopeful” that Trump will intervene.

Whether or not the former president ultimately takes action, the renewed attention on Diddy’s case underscores how intertwined celebrity, politics, and justice have become in America’s modern media landscape.

(Source: TMZ / Reuters / NBC News / The Guardian)