That 2024 presidential election approaching Vice President Kamala Harris rushed celebrity endorsements such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, Beyoncé and Nicky Jam. But their vocal endorsement of the Democratic ticket has sparked a strange theory from MAGA supporters that these endorsements are, at least in part, attempts to sidestep any association with disgraced figures like Sean Diddy Combs and the latest Jeffrey Epstein. The implication? Presumably, a Harris administration would protect them better than her opponent could, in terms of divulging details of who was involved.

With this claim circulating, the opponent said Donald Trump’s earlier remarks about Combs resurface, raising questions about where loyalties and friendships really lie.

Trump’s ‘love’ for Diddy recalled

In a clip from a 2012 episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump offered a heartfelt defense of Combs, saying “I love Diddy” and calling him “a good guy” and “a good friend.” Trump made the comments after contestant Aubrey O’Day briefly mentioned her experience with Diddy in the girl group Danity Kane, only to omit sharing any other thoughts about him.

Trump doubled down when O’Day hesitated, vowing to “rape” for Combs. Now, as Combs faces serious allegations, Trump’s statements are drawing renewed interest and scrutiny. Be careful:

While Trump has not publicly commented on Diddy’s current legal troubles, which include sex trafficking charges and a denied bail applicationhis observations on The Celebrity Apprentice are reconsidered in light of the scandal. O’Day, on the other hand, expressed a mixture of dismay and relief at the case, suggesting it could represent a turning point, one he had long hoped for. Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the accusation “unfair”.

Trump and Epstein: a long-term relationship

Adding complexity, Trump’s connection to Epsteinwhose infamous associations included underage parties and disturbing liaisons, has also made several headlines of late. Epstein is said to have Trump in compromising photos of topless young womencasting more shadows on Trump’s affiliation. For MAGA supporters using Harris’s celebrity endorsements as a wedge, the sheer volume of evidence surrounding Trump’s associations with Combs and Epstein presents an uncomfortable contradiction. Interesting, he wasn’t even sure he’d release the list himself.

It remains to be seen whether further revelations will emerge before or after Tuesday’s election. But as Trump’s 2012 remarks reverberate, the former president’s defense of Combs may end up garnering as much attention as any celebrity endorsement this election season.