Sean “Diddy” Combs now lives in a stark contrast to his former luxurious mansions.
The detention center he calls home is described as “disgusting” and rife with “horrifying” conditions.
When Combs wakes up, he sees bare cinder block walls instead of the lavish decor he once enjoyed. Michael Cohen, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, shared this insight with CNN. Cohen understands the environment, as he has experienced life inside New York City’s notorious Metropolitan Detention Center. This facility has also housed other high-profile inmates like R. Kelly and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Recently, suspected cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia joined the list of infamous inmates awaiting trial for serious charges like murder and drug trafficking.
A federal judge denied Diddy bail, deeming the proposal from his defense team “insufficient.” Judge Andrew Carter cited concerns about the risk of witness tampering. As a result, Combs will remain in custody until his trial for racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. He has pleaded not guilty to these allegations.
At 54 years old, Diddy faces an uncertain timeline in the Brooklyn prison. His lawyer announced plans to appeal the bail denial after the recent hearing.
Life in the Detention Center
The Brooklyn facility is notorious for its poor living conditions. It suffers from staffing shortages, inmate violence, and frequent power outages. Currently, it serves as the only federal correction center for New York City, following the closure of the Manhattan complex after Jeffrey Epstein’s death in 2019.
A spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Prisons acknowledged the difficult situation at the MDC. They stated that the agency takes its duty seriously and continually reviews safety protocols. This year, the Bureau appointed an Urgent Action Team to address ongoing challenges at the facility.
According to spokesperson Emery Nelson, the team has increased staffing, resolved over 700 maintenance issues, and focused on judicial concerns.
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, highlighted the challenges of preparing for trial in such a difficult environment. He emphasized the hardships Combs faces, stating, “It’s a very difficult place to be an inmate.”
Harsh Living Conditions
The Metropolitan Detention Center was built in the 1990s to combat overcrowding in New York City prisons. Inmates awaiting trial at this facility face grim realities.
Cohen, who spent time at the MDC in 2020, described Combs’ living situation in detail. He explained that Diddy sleeps on a steel bed with a thin mattress and no pillow. His cell measures just eight by ten feet, and the conditions are far from pleasant. In the Special Housing Unit, where Combs resides, inmates have limited space to move—only three by five feet.
Cohen pointed out that there are no books available initially, adding to Combs’ challenges as he navigates his new reality.
A Dangerous Environment
The MDC has garnered a reputation for violence. Recently, an inmate named Uriel Whyte was stabbed to death while awaiting trial on gun charges. Another inmate, Edwin Cordero, lost his life in a fight just a month later. Cordero’s lawyer labeled him as “another victim” of the MDC, describing it as overcrowded and neglected.
In January 2019, a major power outage plunged the prison into darkness for a week. Inmates endured freezing temperatures and unsanitary conditions, raising serious concerns about the Bureau of Prisons’ contingency plans. A lawsuit filed on behalf of inmates revealed horrifying details, including being confined to cells with non-functioning toilets.
Last summer, the Bureau of Prisons settled this lawsuit, compensating 1,600 inmates approximately $10 million for their suffering during the power outage.
As Diddy Combs navigates this challenging environment, he faces a stark reality far removed from his former life of luxury. His experiences highlight the significant issues within the correctional system, drawing attention to the plight of inmates enduring similar conditions.