Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently serving his sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security facility in New Jersey, which he specifically requested. This prison has housed several other high-profile individuals in the past. Despite his fame and wealth, a former inmate suggests that Combs won’t enjoy any special privileges while incarcerated. 

Recently, images emerged showing Combs in the Fort Dix prison yard, appearing relatively comfortable among a group of other inmates. However, Bill Baroni, a law professor with personal experience of prison life, warns that Combs should not expect to wield the same influence he had outside of prison.

“In prison, everyone is equal,” Baroni stated to Us Weekly, highlighting that wealth and power lose their significance behind bars.

Joe Giudice, who was married to Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice and also served time, agrees with Baroni. He cautions that any attempt by Combs to assert his influence could have negative consequences.

“If he keeps a low profile and avoids acting like a big shot, he’ll be fine,” Giudice advised. “I’ve seen conflicts arise over the smallest things, like an onion. Not everyone in there is stable.”

Despite this, Combs has reportedly had a good experience with the other inmates.

“He’s met some nice people,” his spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said. “People have been kind to him.”

Combs requested to serve out his sentence at FCI Fort Dix

Ahead of his sentencing, Combs and his legal team hoped to avoid prison time at all costs. When Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced him to 50 months, though, they shifted their focus to getting Combs into FCI Fort Dix. They said this was because of the prison’s Residential Drug Abuse Program.

“In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the Court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix for RDAP purposes and any other available educational and occupational programs,” defense attorney Teny Geragos wrote, per ABC News.

Combs’ legal team is also pursuing an appeal.

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ biggest challenge in prison won’t be the other inmates

Giudice noted that Combs could witness or experience violence in prison. But other former inmates said the biggest challenge behind bars is boredom. Baroni noted that he struggled with “how slow time goes.”

Former Fort Dix inmate and creator of the prison reform organization A Voice From Prison, Tyler King, said people have to find ways to fill their days. 

“Time is spent staring at TVs, pacing, or staying glued to contraband phones,” he said. “Working out and reading are lifelines.”

Combs has reportedly been spending time taking solitary walks. Engelmayer said the disgraced mogul uses this alone time to talk to God. At this time, Combs could leave prison on the projected date of June 4, 2028.