Story perspectives

Rapper Boosie Sues Burkman, Wohl for $10 M Over Failed Pardon

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rapper Boosie Badazz sued Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl for $10 million, alleging fraud in a failed pardon.
Boosie reported paying about $600,000 to them for a presidential pardon for his federal gun conviction.
White House officials said Burkman and Wohl have no clemency affiliation and warned that using intermediaries could hurt petitioners.
Media personality DJ Akademiks called the payment a lobbying retainer, not a bribe, and suggested Boosie could recover part of it.

History

Historical Context

In January 2001, outgoing President Bill Clinton granted 141 pardons and 36 commutations, most famously freeing fugitive trader Marc Rich amid allegations that donations to the Clinton foundation influenced the decision. The episode sparked investigations and congressional calls to tighten clemency oversight. Today rapper Boosie Badazz’s $600,000 fraud suit against Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl for a promised presidential pardon revives those concerns about cash-for-clemency.

1 of 2

Story summary

Rapper Boosie Badazz sued Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl for $10 million, alleging fraud in a failed pardon.
Boosie reported paying about $600,000 to them for a presidential pardon for his federal gun conviction.
White House officials said Burkman and Wohl have no clemency affiliation and warned that using intermediaries could hurt petitioners.
Media personality DJ Akademiks called the payment a lobbying retainer, not a bribe, and suggested Boosie could recover part of it.

1 / 2