American rapper Boosie Badazz, whose real name is Torence Hatch, has initiated legal proceedings against two political lobbyists, Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl, after allegedly paying $600,000 (£440,000) for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump that never materialized. The 43-year-old rapper faced sentencing for possessing a firearm as a felon and sought a pardon to clear his criminal record.
Alleged Pardon Scheme
According to a report reviewed by News of the United States (NOTUS), Boosie sought help from Burkman and Wohl, far-right political operatives at JM Burkman & Associates, who claimed to have strong connections within Trump's inner circle. Despite being told that his pardon had been signed by the president, it never materialized. A White House aide reportedly informed Boosie's legal team that no pardon application had been submitted on his behalf.
Boosie is now seeking to recover half of the money he paid, approximately $300,000 (£225,000), citing a clause in his contract that allegedly promised a refund if the pardon was not secured. However, Burkman and Wohl dispute that any such refund clause was agreed upon.
Lobbyists' Response
In a statement to TMZ, Burkman said: 'Boosie has no reason to be unhappy. In 30 years of lobbying, I doubt we have ever done more work and harder work. The provision in the contract he is referencing was never agreed to at all.' Burkman also noted that Boosie's quest for a pardon was complicated by an arrest for an alleged crime of violence in Texas earlier this year.
Legal Background
On January 9, 2026, Boosie was sentenced in a San Diego federal court for possessing a firearm as a felon. U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo sentenced him to time already served, meaning he avoided additional prison time after pleading guilty. The sentence also included three years of supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and a $50,000 (£37,460) fine. The original charges stemmed from an arrest in May 2023 after law enforcement spotted him with a gun in his waistband during an Instagram live video.
Boosie has now launched arbitration proceedings against Wohl and Burkman, claiming entitlement to half of his fee. The outcome of the arbitration remains pending.
