Diddy Sent Back to Solitary Confinement Amid Investigation into Prison Treatment
Hip-hop mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs reportedly placed in isolation as prison officials probe claims of lavish VIP perks and inmate assistance.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs has reportedly been returned to solitary confinement at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey as officials investigate allegations of preferential treatment during his prison sentence.
The move comes after a recent NBC News report detailing claims that Combs has received special services from fellow inmates, including cooking, cleaning, and massages. Sources told TMZ that placing an inmate in solitary during an investigation is standard procedure.
This is not the first time Combs has been placed in isolation; he was previously sent to solitary in July following an altercation with another inmate.
The NBC report also alleges that Combs has had access to a cell phone, where he allegedly received nude photos from a former girlfriend. The report further states he used a modified tablet to watch a documentary critical of him by his rival, 50 Cent.
Sources who spoke with NBC News described Combs's alleged lifestyle as luxurious, with claims of smuggled premium liquor, the purchase of mood-boosting antidepressants from other inmates, and fellow prisoners managing his fan mail and phone calls. One inmate reportedly provided him with massages.
According to the report, maintaining this lifestyle has cost thousands of dollars monthly, allegedly funded by replenishing the commissary accounts of inmates who perform services for him. Photos obtained by the publication reportedly show meals prepared specifically for Combs, including pizza and meat with rice.
A representative for Combs, Juda S. Engelmayer, stated to the Daily Mail that they could not independently verify the rumors. Engelmayer also commented on the ongoing scrutiny, suggesting that "the media characterizes ordinary prison life as news" and that Combs "continues to serve his sentence within the rules and he patiently awaits the court's decision on his appeal."
Combs, 56, is serving a sentence of four years and two months after being convicted last year on two counts of prostitution charges related to transporting women across state lines for sex. He was acquitted of more serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking.
During his trial, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura testified about alleged abuse. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) declined to comment on specific inmate conditions for privacy, safety, and security reasons, but stated that contraband, including cell phones, is a constant challenge and that inmates found violating policies are subject to sanctions. The BOP also noted that allegations of staff misconduct are taken seriously and investigated.