Rapper Boosie Badazz, whose legal name is Torence Hatch, has filed a lawsuit seeking a partial refund after paying $600,000 to lobbyists Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman for assurances that they could secure a presidential pardon from then-President Donald Trump. The rapper alleges the pardon was not obtained and is citing a contractual clause for a refund.
The situation arose in 2023 when Boosie was arrested in San Diego while filming a video that displayed a handgun. Facing potential prison time due to a prior felony conviction, he entered into an agreement with Wohl and Burkman's firm, JM Burkman & Associates, in September 2025. Boosie was reportedly informed on New Year's Day that his clemency request had been secured, but later discovered this was not the case. He ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges and received a sentence of three years of supervised release, 300 hours of community service, and a $50,000 fine.
Boosie's contract reportedly included a provision for a partial refund if a pardon was not received by January 31, 2025. Both parties have acknowledged that the year in the contract was a typo and should have been 2026. Lawyers for Wohl and Burkman argue the refund provision is invalid because the stated deadline had already passed by the time the agreement was signed.
Burkman has denied agreeing to any refund, stating his firm worked diligently to secure the pardon. However, according to NOTUS, Boosie's criminal defense lawyer was informed by the White House that no pardon request had ever been received.
A White House official stated that the administration finds it "detestable that anyone would even attempt to profit off pardons" and does not support the work of Wohl or Burkman. The official's comments were made to Loren Lorosa on "The Breakfast Club."
In addition to pursuing arbitration for a refund, Boosie has publicly named conservatives, including Laura Loomer, Mike Cernovich, and Jack Posobiec, on social media, requesting they issue truthful statements about any contact they had with Burkman and Wohl regarding his pardon process. Several individuals cited by Boosie have stated they had no knowledge of his case or involvement in the pardon attempt. Mike Cernovich responded that he does not privately advocate for pardons or accept money to do so, and never recommended one for Boosie. Laura Loomer also stated she does not get involved in such matters and had never heard of Boosie or his case, suggesting Burkman may have used names without permission.
Reports from The New Yorker have previously highlighted an apparent "pardon economy" during the Trump administration, prompting some members of Congress to seek more transparency regarding pardons and commutations. Boosie's attempt to use his financial resources for clemency aligns with concerns raised about such practices.
Boosie is currently facing separate legal issues, including a charge for allegedly striking a club security guard in Houston earlier this year.