First Videos of Diddy in Prison Emerge, Sparking Public Reaction

The man once synonymous with champagne-soaked nights, velvet ropes, and multimillion-dollar music deals has been reduced to a figure wandering the sterile halls of a federal prison.

On November 23, 2025, the world caught its first glimpse of Sean "Diddy" Combs behind bars, and the contrast was nothing short of jarring. TMZ released prison surveillance videos showing the once-glamorous rapper now serving time at Fort Dix federal prison in New Jersey.

But it wasn't just the uniform or the bleak, modest setting that stunned fans. It was something deeper... something far more human. In the unflinching light of the prison's security cameras, Combs appeared almost unrecognizable.

Once a titan of the music industry, a man who mingled with Hollywood royalty and strutted red carpets dripping in diamonds, Combs was now seen in a chapel-turned-media-library, dutifully finishing his evening work. The mogul reportedly helps distribute movies and religious books to fellow inmates.

Just a Puffy Jacket and a Smile

One of the videos showed the entrepreneur slipping into a puffy black jacket, a knitted black beanie, and a scarf over his prison-issued gray sweater and sweatpants. In another clip, he strolled the facility's corridors in just his uniform, flashing a relaxed smile as he greeted another inmate.

There's no audio in the videos, but Sean Combs was also spotted striking up a light-hearted exchange with the fellow prisoner, almost as if they were casual acquaintances catching up at the gym. But while the interaction seemed easy, there was one detail viewers couldn't ignore: the physical transformation.

Gone was the wealthy rapper. In its place was a gray-bearded, white-haired man that many couldn't reconcile as the head of Bad Boy Records.

Fans Stunned by Shocking Transformation

The reaction online was swift and brutal.

"Who is that grandpa?" one netizen gasped, while another quipped, "Diddy's hair got white, he is looking like Uncle Ben!" The jokes kept pouring in, and so did the disbelief.

"Diddy aged quick," someone observed. "Grandpa Diddy," another sneered. One Facebooker exclaimed, "It's No Way His Hair Is That Gray [sic]."

But not everyone was mocking. Some commenters were struck by his new demeanor, claiming he looked "humble." The fall, it seemed, had stirred not just judgment but pity.

From Penthouse Parties to Prison Protocol

After all, this was a man who had it all and lost it in spectacular fashion.

"From billionaire to librarian … crazy work," a stunned netizen wrote. Another echoed the disbelief, "From Beverly Hills to this. What a spectacular fall from grace. Wow."

Although these videos were brand-new, TMZ had already uncovered whispers of his behavior behind bars. There were reports that he got drunk on homemade alcohol inside his cell and even attempted to place a three-way call, both violations of prison policy.

His Conviction

As previously reported, the music mogul was sentenced on Friday, October 3, to four years and two months in prison. The charges stemmed from transporting individuals across state lines for sexual encounters.

The sentencing concludes a lengthy federal case marked by graphic testimonies. It also marks a major legal downfall for one of hip-hop's most prominent figures.

Combs’ federal trial in Manhattan lasted nearly two months and included emotional testimony from multiple women. They described enduring physical assaults, threats, sexual abuse, and blackmail at his hands.

During sentencing, prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that leniency would minimize years of violence and exploitation. She said the case centered on a man who harmed others to serve his own desires, using power and control as tools that left lasting damage on his victims.

Combs was ultimately convicted under the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. His defense attorney, Jason Driscoll, countered that the statute had been wrongly applied in his client's case.

Acquitted of Other Charges

Combs has already served one year in jail. With time served, he could be released in just over three years. In July, the rapper was convicted of arranging flights for girlfriends and male sex workers.

The encounters reportedly took place over many years and involved drugs and coercion. The jury also acquitted him of more serious charges: sex trafficking and racketeering counts, which could have meant life in prison but did not hold up in court.

Prosecutors had pushed for more than 11 years behind bars, but defense attorneys argued for immediate release. They said Combs' time in custody had sparked remorse and a turn toward sobriety.

The Judge's Decision

U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the sentence and a $500,000 fine — the maximum allowed. He also questioned why the misconduct continued for so long, stating that Combs had the means and influence to sustain it and only stopped because he was eventually caught.

The judge also praised the accusers who testified, saying they had given a voice to others and stood up to a powerful figure. He described their testimony as representing many more victims who had endured mistreatment in silence.

During his sentencing, Combs broke down in tears as he addressed the court. The music mogul addressed the judge directly, expressing regret for his actions and offering a personal apology. He expressed gratitude to the court for allowing him the opportunity to finally speak.

Overwhelming Remorse

In a key moment, Combs turned his apology toward singer Cassie Ventura, his former partner. "I want to apologize again to Cassie Ventura for any harm I caused to her, emotionally or physically. I don't take that lightly," he said. He described his behavior as "disgusting, shameful, and sick," acknowledging the gravity of the case and its impact.

"I'm not this larger-than-life person," he said. "I'm just a human being." Combs told the court he was overwhelmed by guilt and remorse. "I hate myself right now," he added. "I've been stripped down to nothing. I'm really truly sorry for it all, no matter what they say." His statement marked a rare moment of public regret after months of silence.

Attorneys for Ventura also issued a statement acknowledging that "nothing can undo the trauma caused by Combs." They said the punishment reflected the severity of his crimes and the harm inflicted.

Inside the courtroom, emotions ran high as Combs turned to his family before being escorted out. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he told them quietly. His legal team confirmed plans to appeal the conviction. Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo argued that the judge had gone beyond his role, suggesting he acted as "a 13th juror" and second-guessed the jury's decision.

Before the sentence was read, defense attorneys played a video highlighting Combs' family life, career, and philanthropy. The video clip showed Combs giving motivational talks to children, sharing fun moments with his kids, and running a marathon to raise funds for education.

In a plea for leniency, Combs asked for the chance to be a father again, a son, and a leader in his community. He apologized to those he harmed, acknowledging what he called his "disgusting, shameful" actions, and said the weight of domestic violence was something he would carry for life.

His children also spoke, appealing directly to the judge. Six of his seven children addressed the court, describing the personal toll of the case. His daughter, D'Lila Combs, broke down as she recalled losing her mother, Kim Porter, in 2018.

"Please, your honor, please," she pleaded, asking the court to allow the family the chance to heal together and move forward outside the glare of headlines.