The White House has firmly dismissed a recent report from TMZ, which suggested that President Donald Trump might be on the verge of pardoning the well-known rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs by commuting his prison sentence.
This speculation arose from claims that the President could potentially facilitate Combs' release as soon as this week.
TMZ's report, published on Monday, cited an unnamed senior White House official who allegedly confirmed that the President was contemplating a commutation for Combs. The report further claimed that the President was "vacillating" on the decision. According to the outlet, while some White House staff members were reportedly advising against the commutation, one source remarked, "Trump will do what he wants."
As reported by American Military News, the White House swiftly countered TMZ's assertions. A White House official, speaking to NBC News on Tuesday, stated, "There is zero truth to the TMZ report, which we wouldve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news."
The official emphasized, "The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations." Despite this denial, TMZ has stood by its story, asserting its accuracy in an update that read, "The White House Communications Office is saying our story is not true. We stand by our story. Our story is accurate."
Combs' legal troubles have been a topic of interest since his sentencing on October 3. A federal judge handed down a sentence of 50 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and imposed a $500,000 fine. This came after Combs was convicted in July on two counts related to transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
The possibility of a pardon for Combs was previously broached in May, before his conviction. At that time, President Trump addressed the matter, stating, "Nobodys asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know theyre thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking."
He further commented on his past relationship with Combs, saying, "I havent seen [Diddy], I havent spoken to him in years. He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics that relationship busted up, from what I read. I dont know he didnt tell me that, but Id read some little bit nasty statements."
President Trump also expressed his willingness to consider a pardon based on fairness, stating, "I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or dont like me, it wouldnt have any impact on me."
This sentiment underscores the President's approach to justice, focusing on the merits of each case rather than personal relationships or political affiliations. As the situation unfolds, the public remains attentive to any developments regarding Combs' potential commutation.
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