Sean "Diddy" Combs is preparing for a high-profile music comeback from behind bars, with Madison Square Garden as his envisioned stage, according to his legal team. The 55-year-old rapper, who was convicted last month on federal prostitution charges but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, remains in jail in New York while his lawyers press for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
"He's going to be back at Madison Square Garden - and I said I'll be there," Marc Agnifilo, Combs' lead attorney, said in an interview with CBS Mornings. "I think he wants to get out of jail, reestablish a loving, present relationship with all of his seven children."
Though Agnifilo clarified that Combs had not discussed specifics about recording music again, he confirmed that the rapper mentioned returning to the famed New York venue. "No - honestly, he has not. OK, one thing he said, he said he was going to be back in Madison Square Garden," Agnifilo said. When asked what he meant, Agnifilo replied, "I guess being on stage, you know?"
The Grammy-winning artist was denied bail this week but is scheduled for another hearing on October 3, a session that could play a role in determining his eligibility for clemency. According to Agnifilo, Combs remains focused on resuming his career and reconnecting with family.
Another member of Combs' defense team, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed that outreach has been made to Trump's team. "It's my understanding that we've reached out and had conversations in reference to a pardon," Westmoreland told CNN.
President Trump addressed the possibility during an interview with Newsmax's Rob Finnerty, signaling hesitation. "Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half innocent," Trump said, referencing the mixed outcome of Combs' federal trial. "Probably - eh, you know, I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great, and seemed like a nice guy."
Trump also recalled tension from the 2020 campaign. "When I ran for office he was very hostile... we're human beings, and we don't like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But 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," he said.
When pressed on whether he was leaning toward denying a pardon, Trump stated: "I would say so." However, he acknowledged, "They have talked to me about Sean."
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records and a once-dominant force in hip-hop, was found guilty of two counts of prostitution-related offenses in July but cleared of more serious trafficking and racketeering charges.
