The once-celebrated music mogul P Diddy, who had amassed a fortune of over $600 million, faces a starkly different Christmas this year. Known for his extravagant parties and a lifestyle that many could only dream of, P Diddy now finds his festive season confined within the walls of Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
The Fall of a Music Titan
Sean Combs, better known as P Diddy, has seen his world turned upside down following his arrest in September on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. With his trial set for May 2025 and having pleaded not guilty, the rapper is experiencing a drastic shift from his previous high-flying lifestyle to the mundane and gloomy life of incarceration.
The detention center, devoid of holiday cheer, will see Diddy spending his Christmas much like any other day—marked by routine and simplicity. As described by federal prison consultant Sam Mengel in an interview with US Weekly, “There are no decorations… When their family leaves, inmates become very solemn. It becomes very depressing.” This paints a somber picture of the holiday season for inmates, including Diddy, whose days of lavish celebrations are currently on pause.
A Glimpse into Diddy’s Daily Life Behind Bars
Despite the bleak environment, Diddy has tried to adapt to his new reality. Sources close to the rapper shared with People Magazine that he engages in activities like playing card games and shooting hoops during recreational hours. However, the limited visitation rights during the holidays—only 30 minutes in person and 15 minutes on the phone—add to the isolation felt during this festive season.
Christmas Day Menu: A Stark Contrast to Past Celebrations
The Christmas menu at the detention center is a far cry from the luxurious feasts Diddy once enjoyed. According to the prison menu, his Christmas day will begin with a simple breakfast of fruit, cereal, pastries, and skim milk at 6 am. For lunch, he has the choice of baked Cornish hen or BBQ tofu, accompanied by macaroni and cheese, spinach, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls or a holiday dessert, and a beverage at 11 am.
Dinner, however, will be markedly frugal with two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on whole wheat bread, potato chips, fruit, and a beverage, served after 4 pm. This routine meal starkly contrasts his past Christmas dinners, which undoubtedly featured a variety of gourmet dishes and fine dining.
Christmas Eve’s Slightly Brighter Meal Plan
The eve of Christmas offers a slightly better fare, with dinner options including turkey roast or Navy beans, baked sweet potato, mixed vegetables, and whole wheat bread with margarine and a beverage. For lunch, inmates like Diddy will have a choice between a baked chicken patty sandwich and a chickpea burger with steamed rice, pinto beans, and fruit.
While the festive season in prison is far from the glamorous celebrations Diddy is accustomed to, it seems the rapper is maintaining a semblance of his characteristic upbeat energy. Adapting to his current circumstances, he continues to find ways to stay positive, despite the significant downshift in his surroundings and the absence of his usual festive jubilations.