Sean Combs' effort to recast himself as a remorseful figure confronting addiction has encountered early setbacks, as reports surfaced that the 55-year-old music mogul allegedly violated prison rules within weeks of beginning his 50-month federal sentence. Combs, known globally as Diddy, is serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix in New Jersey after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
The alleged incident centers on a prison-made alcoholic drink known as pruno. According to details reported by TMZ, Combs was found with a fermented mix of Fanta, sugar and apples, left to sit for roughly two weeks. Prison officials reportedly discussed moving him to another unit, though that step was not taken. The report stands in contrast to Combs' recent court statements in which he told the judge, "I was sober for the first time in 25 years."
That courtroom declaration had formed the cornerstone of his request for placement in a facility offering drug rehabilitation programming. Through both written and spoken remarks at sentencing, Combs framed his criminal conduct as tied to substance abuse and emotional instability. In a handwritten letter to the court, he wrote, "I got lost in the journey. Lost in the drugs and the excess. My downfall was rooted in my selfishness." He said he was "reading books" and "speaking with therapists" to acquire "tools and knowledge to deal with my past drug abuse and anger issues."
During his sentencing hearing, Combs also stated, "My domestic violence will be a heavy burden that I will have to carry. I make no excuse because I knew better. I was sick on drugs and out of control." Judge Arun Subramanian recommended he participate in the Bureau of Prisons' Residential Drug Abuse Program, noting his stated commitment to treatment.
Yet the reported discovery of pruno in his cell raises questions about the viability of that rehabilitation narrative. The episode comes after Combs had already served approximately thirteen months, including time credited from his 2024 arrest in Manhattan.
Combs' legal challenges extend beyond the conviction. NewsNation reported that a Florida man, Jonathan Hay, filed a new lawsuit accusing Combs of sexual battery and false imprisonment stemming from an alleged 2020 encounter. Hay stated, "The police didn't do anything because, at the time, Sean 'Diddy' Combs was untouchable," and described the alleged assault as "The ultimate betrayal, the ultimate violation as a man for another man to do that to me. And I went through severe depression where I was suicidal."
While Combs was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges during the high-profile trial, the Mann Act convictions remain intact and are now under appeal in the Federal District Court in New York. His current scheduled release date is May 8, 2028.
Inside Fort Dix, reports have circulated that Combs has expressed confidence he will not serve the full term, telling people he expects a presidential pardon. TMZ reported that he has told inmates he is "banking on President Trump to pardon him," suggesting he believes he could be released as early as next year.
