Diddy's life in prison: chaplain job, drug rehab and conviction appeal battle
Diddy's life in prison: chaplain job, drug rehab and conviction appeal battle
Eve Wagstaff & Hollie BealeSat, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC
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Combs has been working out and taking part in drug rehabilitation -Credit:Getty
Sean Combs has been known by several monikers throughout his career - Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Diddy, but his current identity is Inmate 37452-054, and life looks vastly different from the heyday of extravagant parties and rapping about being a 'Bad Boy for Life'.
The former hip-hop titan, once synonymous with sprawling estates, opulent celebrations, and chart-dominating achievements, is now behind bars at a federal facility in New Jersey after being sentenced to 50 months following his conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The 56-year-old was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering charges after his widely-publicized trial in 2025, but received prison time after being convicted on the prostitution-related charges. During last year's proceedings, former partner Cassie Ventura testified that she had been forced to participate in what were referred to as "freak-offs" while they were together.
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Combs rejected the sex trafficking accusations and was eventually cleared of those charges, along with racketeering.
During his sentencing hearing, the rapper apologized to Ventura, telling the court, "My actions were disgusting, shameful, and sick."
He added: "I was sick, sick from the drugs, I was out of control, I needed help, and I didn't get the help, and I can make no excuse. I am not this larger than life person - I am just a human being, I was trying my best, I got lost in my excess and lost in my ego.", reports the Express.
As Combs awaits the outcome of his appeal, the fallen mogul has adjusted to his new reality at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix. Here's an inside look at how he's spending his days behind bars....
Combs is waiting to hear on his appeal -Credit:GettyWorking in the prison chapel
Rather than sitting idle, Diddy has secured one of the facility's most coveted positions.
Serving as a chaplain's assistant, he maintains the religious library, handles administrative tasks, and keeps the chaplain's office clean.
His publicist, Juda Engelmayer, previously said Diddy had described the role as providing a "warm, respectful, and rewarding" environment.
Taking part in a drug treatment program
The music mogul is also participating in Fort Dix's Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP).
Successfully completing the program could potentially shave up to a year off an inmate's sentence, provided they meet all eligibility requirements.
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At his sentencing hearing, Diddy acknowledged that substance abuse had been a defining factor in his life, revealing to the court he was "sober for the first time in 25 years."
He added, "Prison will change you or kill you. I choose to live."
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' life is very different from his mega star days -Credit:GettyKeeping fit and helping fellow inmates
Beyond his chapel duties, Diddy reportedly devotes much of his free time to staying physically active.
According to Engelmayer, he frequently walks laps around the facility's perimeter, trains in the gym and occasionally participates in basketball games. Diddy has also become a recognizable presence in the prison library, where he assists fellow inmates in selecting reading material.
"He talks to inmates about what they want to read so he can recommend things to them," Engelmayer said.
His representative further claimed that Diddy has thrown himself into building his legal defense.
"He's become like a paralegal, if not a lawyer already," he said.
Offloading his property portfolio
Combs has sold his prestigious Star Island estate for a reported $55 million. The sprawling mansion covers nearly 8,000 square feet and boasts six bedrooms and eight-and-a-half bathrooms.
The property sits adjacent to another of his Miami homes that was raided by federal agents in March 2024 as part of the investigation into allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Investigators subsequently revealed they confiscated more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant, along with narcotics and other items referenced throughout the criminal case.
Appeal still ongoing
Diddy's legal team formally challenged his conviction in December last year, contending that the verdict should be overturned or that he should be handed a reduced sentence.
The appeal was heard by judges in April, though no ruling has yet been handed down.
His attorneys have also made unsuccessful attempts to secure a presidential pardon.
Release date brought forward
Although Diddy was originally expected to remain incarcerated until June 2028, his projected release date has been moved up several times. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, his new projected release date is February 23, 2028, though officials have yet to offer any public explanation for the change.
In the meantime, Diddy remains held at Fort Dix, where he continues to work, participate in rehabilitation programs, and await the outcome of his appeal, which could ultimately alter the trajectory of his sentence.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
