Sean “Diddy” Combs will be spending Christmas behind bars at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), after choosing to forgo further attempts to secure bail ahead of his May 2025 trial on serious charges, including racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution. His decision to remain in custody until his trial means this Christmas will be a far cry from the usual luxuries and family gatherings the music mogul is accustomed to.
Despite the difficult circumstances, an Us Weekly source revealed that Combs is trying to maintain a “positive” attitude, even as he misses being with his family during the holiday season. The source mentioned that while Diddy faces a challenging time, especially with the uncertainty surrounding his legal future, he is trying to stay calm and composed.
Combs, a father of six, including Quincy, 33; Justin, 30; Christian, 26; Chance, 18; D’Lila and Jesse, 18 (twins), and Love, 2, will be deeply missed by his children. The source noted that the holiday season will be especially difficult for the family without their father present.
Prison consultant Sam Mangel spoke to Us Weekly about what Christmas is like for inmates at MDC. While the prison is not decorated for the season, there are some relaxed rules to allow prisoners to connect with loved ones. Inmates can have visitors in groups of up to four for 30 minutes, and phone calls are allowed for up to 15 minutes. However, Mangel explained that once these visits and calls end, inmates often feel a sense of solemnity and sadness.
A former inmate who was in the system during the ’90s and early 2000s shared his memories of the holidays in prison, mentioning that inmates were given small “goody bags” filled with candy, coffee, and powdered drink mixes. While it’s uncertain if Diddy will receive the same, it’s possible that he may get a similar holiday treat.
On the outside, Combs’ family is reportedly well-supported, with his children being cared for by a close friend in Florida. His mother, Janice, who lives in Los Angeles, also frequently visits her grandchildren, providing them with emotional support during this tough time.
Diddy, who has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, abandoned his attempts to secure bail after being denied release three times by different judges, who cited concerns that he could use his celebrity status to tamper with evidence or influence victims if released.