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Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ unexpected stint at the Metropolitan Detention Center marked a dramatic chapter in the entertainment industry. Known for his larger-than-life persona and lavish lifestyle, Combs found himself confined within MDC’s austere and heavily regulated environment. However, a former associate warden at the prison explained that Combs’ situation could worsen. Here’s what he said about prison life for Combs with a guilty verdict.

A former prison warden said Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ prison experience could worsen with a guilty verdict

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All eyes are on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial, which began on May 5, 2025. The proceedings stemmed from a wave of civil and criminal allegations spanning decades. Multiple people brought forth the allegations, which included accusations of sexual assault, human trafficking, and physical abuse. Prosecutors argued that Combs used his influence, wealth, and power to manipulate and intimidate victims. The mogul has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since September 2024.

Dr. DeWayne Hendrix, a former associate warden at the MDC in Brooklyn and former senior warden with the US Department of Justice, spoke to Law & Crime’s Scandal YouTube channel about Combs’ life behind bars. Hendrix explained how Combs initially lived in the Special Housing Unit.

“After they were able to do a threat assessment, kind of look at his mental [health] and all of that, they were able to put him in a housing unit where we would consider putting ex-cops, or cops who may have been arrested for whatever, being compromised or corrupt, and putting them with inmates that are being charged with sex offenses,” Hendrix said. “Typically, you don’t want to put cops in a normal, general population unit because, obviously, they could run into people they’ve seen before on the street. And also, some sex offenders, I mean, they just have a hard time walking on any compound or any jail.”

Hendrix noted that the prison transitioned Combs from the SHU into a unit where he could prepare for trial. But Combs hasn’t had a real taste of prison life just yet. “However, I will say, if he is found guilty, he will then get the real experience of what prison life will be like,” Hendrix explained. “Because, at that point, there will be no catering to his individual needs.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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