Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new challenges in his journey to sobriety, with reports emerging that he was recently caught with homemade alcohol while serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. This incident comes just weeks after he told a judge he was sober for the first time in 25 years.
The Reported Prison Incident
According to sources close to the situation, Diddy was found with a homemade alcoholic substance at the low-security federal prison. The drink was reportedly made using a common prison recipe that combines Fanta, sugar, and apples. Inmates allow this mixture to ferment for approximately two weeks until it becomes alcoholic.
Prison officials discovered the contraband and initially planned to move the 56-year-old to a different unit as a disciplinary measure. However, officials later reversed this decision, allowing him to remain in his current housing unit. A prison official contacted about the incident stated they had no information to share, which is standard protocol for correctional facilities discussing individual inmate matters.
Diddy’s Promises Before Sentencing
This incident stands in stark contrast to the picture of personal transformation Diddy presented to the court before his sentencing in October. In a heartfelt letter to Judge Arun Subramanian, he expressed deep regret for his actions and emphasized his commitment to change.
He wrote about achieving sobriety for the first time in decades, stating, “The old me died in jail and a new version of me was reborn.” He described prison as an environment that “will change you or kill you,” adding, “I choose to live.”
At his sentencing, Diddy was emotional as he told the court, “I lost my career. I totally destroyed my reputation. I hate myself right now.” He was sentenced to four years and two months in prison after being found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
Life at Fort Dix Prison
Diddy was transferred to FCI Fort Dix in late October from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he had been held since his arrest in September 2024. The facility represents a significant improvement in living conditions compared to his previous incarceration.
The low-security prison holds more than 4,000 inmates in dormitory-style units with bunk beds rather than traditional cells. Seton Hall Law School professor Bill Baroni, who served time in a similar facility, described the environment as much easier, noting inmates can “work out for hours at the gym, take classes, watch TV and walk the track.”
Recent photographs showed Diddy appearing to adjust well to his new surroundings, laughing and smiling with fellow inmates in the prison yard last week. However, the reported alcohol incident reveals a more complicated picture of his adjustment to prison life.
Understanding the Context
Diddy’s trial, which concluded earlier this year, featured extensive testimony about his personal life and relationships. Several witnesses, including former girlfriend Cassie and an assistant using the pseudonym “Mia,” described a pattern of controlling behavior and substance use.
The assistant known as “Mia” testified about the constant fear she felt while working for Diddy, stating, “I didn’t want to die or get hurt.” She described not being able to tell him “No,’ about a sandwich,” let alone about more serious matters.
Another witness, testifying under the name “Jane,” described participating in sexual activities she didn’t want to be part of because she felt financially dependent on Diddy, who was paying her rent at the time.
Sobriety Challenges in Prison
The recent incident highlights the difficulties of maintaining sobriety in a prison environment, even for those with strong initial commitments. The stress of incarceration, separation from family, and loss of freedom can create pressures that test even the most determined individuals.
Diddy had reportedly requested placement at Fort Dix specifically to participate in its Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which allows eligible inmates to reduce their sentences by up to a year if they remain compliant.
How this incident affects Diddy’s standing in the prison system and his eligibility for early release remains uncertain. While officials reversed the decision to move him to a different unit, the violation likely appears on his institutional record and could influence future decisions about privileges.
The music mogul is currently scheduled for release on May 8, 2028, though this date could change based on behavior and program participation.
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Credits: TMZ, Page Six, New York Daily News
