Mike Tyson Delivers Combs Pardon Letter to Trump

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson says he delivered a letter from Sean Combs to President Donald Trump seeking a presidential pardon for the music mogul, who is serving a 50-month federal prison sentence. Tyson disclosed the request during an October 8 appearance on SiriusXM's Andy Cohen Live, describing contact with Combs during his incarceration.

According to USA Today, Tyson confirmed that Combs had contacted him by telephone and asked him to pass a letter to the president. Trump had previously acknowledged receiving a pardon request from Combs and indicated that the rapper's past criticism of him could affect his decision.

During the interview, Tyson described his relationship with Combs and discussed the legal case that resulted in the producer's conviction. The former boxer also questioned prosecutors' use of the Mann Act, a federal law dating to 1910 that criminalizes certain transportation for prostitution.

"I'm friendly with Puff," Tyson said, referring to Combs by one of his stage names.

Tyson's comments came as host Andy Cohen asked whether he had been surprised by the case against Combs. Tyson criticized the legal approach, arguing that authorities had relied on an old statute to pursue the charges.

"Listen, I was surprised that they went through so many lengths to get him," Tyson said. "They used a 110-year-old rule to get him – that case 110 years ago, but they used it to get him. Can you imagine that?" he added.

Combs was convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution following a federal trial. The jury acquitted him of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, according to USA Today. Prosecutors had accused him of coercing victims into participating in sexual encounters known as freak offs, some involving travel across state and international borders.

Combs has denied allegations of sexual misconduct and is appealing his conviction. He remains incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix in New Jersey and faces more than 70 civil lawsuits, according to USA Today.

Tyson also confirmed that he and Combs had communicated while the producer was in prison. Their contact provided the opportunity for Combs to ask the former boxer to relay his appeal directly to the president.

"I spoke with him once on the phone," Tyson said.

He explained that the call involved a request to pass a message to the White House. Cohen then asked whether Tyson had completed the task.

"He wanted me to give a letter to the president," Tyson said.

After Cohen asked whether he had delivered the letter, Tyson confirmed that he had followed Combs' instructions.

"I did what he told me to do, yeah," Tyson said.

Trump previously discussed Combs' request publicly, acknowledging that the president had received an appeal for clemency. However, the president indicated that he was not inclined to grant it, citing their strained relationship during his political career.

In an August 2025 interview with Newsmax, Trump recalled his earlier interactions with Combs and explained why their relationship had changed.

"I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great," Trump said.

Trump also described his impression of Combs before the rapper became a central figure in the federal criminal case.

"[He] seemed like a nice guy," Trump said. "I didn't know him well, but when I ran for office he was very hostile."

Combs' prison release date has changed several times. USA Today reported that the date was most recently moved from January 21, 2028, to March 2, 2028, following an NBC News report alleging that Combs received prohibited assistance and access to contraband while incarcerated.