Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs may be used to celebrating Christmas in style – but this year, he’s spending it behind bars after being accused of a string of serious crimes.

The American rapper spent his 55th birthday and Thanksgiving in jail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is awaiting trial after being charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, transportation and engaging in prostitution. Now, Combs – who has performed under the names Diddy, Puff Daddy and Love – will spend Christmas Day in a cell too.

The Bad Boy millionaire is expected to be locked up until his trial kicks off on May 5, 2025. Outside of the criminal charges he is facing, Combs has been sued by several people who have brought civil actions claiming he subjected them to physical or sexual abuse, including his former girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie. Combs has strongly denied all allegations.

The American rapper is accused of a string of serious crimes including sexual assault, rape and drugging minors ( 
Image:
Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)
This holiday season will take on a much grimmer tone for the rapper, offering little of the extravagant celebrations he is used to. Legal expert James Pipe, from freegrantsforfelons.org explains: “The stark contrast between Diddy’s past life of indulgence and his current circumstances highlights the profound consequences of legal and personal accountability.

“While the festive season might offer moments of muted cheer for some inmates, for Combs, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the allegations against him and the impact of his actions on others.” Mr Pipe says Christmas in the Brooklyn jail involves a regimented, modest routine, devoid of glamour or indulgence, providing limited holiday cheer.

He says meals and activities are ‘disgusting’ compared to the lavish celebrations Diddy is known for. The day may begin with a basic communal breakfast, possibly featuring a small festive gesture like hot chocolate or a pastry if the facility’s budget or donations allow. Christmas films or cards may be offered, though the sobre reality of incarceration is inescapable, he says.

Mr Pipe notes a ‘no frills, no luxury’ rule and says Christmas dinner in jail is modest at best. The menu may include a slightly enhanced meal compared to standard offerings but remains a far cry from the opulence Combs once enjoyed. He will eat in an environment defined by restrictions, the legal expert says.

The musician is currently being held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his May trial ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
According to sources who spoke to PEOPLE, who are reportedly inmates, Combs has been playing card games, shooting hoops and speaking with his family on weekday visits. One former inmate said: “He’s well-liked inside prison. People are getting along with him.” Another inmate said he’s likely to play basketball on Christmas Day because “he likes it”.

He’ll also have the option to play dominos, soccer and Spades card games, according to the publication. The US magazine said that Combs will likely be served Cornish hen, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce and rolls, and two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for his Christmas dinner.

Combs was arrested in a Manhattan hotel in October, six months after federal authorities raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami. The grand jury indictment documents seen by The Mirror detail allegations dating to 2008 that he abused, coerced and threatened women “to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct”.

He is accused of enticing female victims and male sex workers into drugged-up, sometimes days-long sexual performances dubbed “freak offs”. Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee has also stepped forward to declare he is representing 120 new alleged victims who intend to bring civil claims – the youngest were nine, 14 and 15 when the alleged abuse happened.

Combs’ lawyer previously told the Mirror: “As Mr. Combs’ legal team has emphasised, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors. He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.”