Sean Diddy Combs prison release push backed again, music mogul reportedly had expensive liquor, massages, and erotic photos

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ time behind bars has taken another unexpected turn. The music mogul, who had been scheduled to leave federal prison in January 2028, now has a later projected release date after reports emerged about his alleged access to prohibited items while incarcerated. According to Bureau of Prisons records reviewed by PEOPLE, Combs’ projected release date has moved from January 21, 2028, to March 2, 2028. The change comes days after reports that he had been placed in solitary confinement at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.

Why has Sean Diddy’s prison release date changed?

The Bureau of Prisons has not publicly confirmed why Combs’ release date was moved. “For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not comment on the conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual, including reasons for a change in release date,” the agency told PEOPLE. The timing, however, follows reports about Combs’ alleged prison privileges and access to contraband.

NBC News previously reported, based on interviews with four inmates, that Combs allegedly had access to prohibited items, including a cellphone and premium alcohol. The report also alleged that he paid other inmates for services such as cooking, cleaning and massages. NBC also obtained footage that appeared to show Combs using a phone inside the facility. Diddy's representatives have disputed the portrayal of his life behind bars, saying he continues to serve his sentence within the rules while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.

Diddy was reportedly placed in solitary confinement

The release-date change follows reports that Combs was moved into the prison’s Special Housing Unit, commonly referred to as solitary confinement. PEOPLE previously reported that the move came after the allegations surrounding his prison lifestyle. The Bureau of Prisons did not confirm whether Combs was in solitary, again citing privacy and security concerns.

NBC News explained that inmates placed in the Special Housing Unit can spend roughly 23 hours a day in their cells, with restrictions on privileges and access to other inmates. Retired Bureau of Prisons investigator Vito Maraviglia told NBC that inmates can be placed in the SHU while authorities gather evidence during an investigation. This was reportedly not Combs’ first time in the SHU. In July, he was sent there following an alleged altercation with another inmate.

What were the alleged contraband items held by Sean Combs?

The allegations have centred largely on Combs’ reported access to items that are not permitted inside federal prisons. According to reporting by NBC News, inmates alleged that Combs had access to a contraband cellphone and premium liquor. A separate report said he also had access to a modified tablet. The Los Angeles Times noted that the Bureau of Prisons considers cellphones, narcotics and weapons among its ongoing contraband challenges.

A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times that inmates are not permitted to possess cellphones and that those who violate the agency’s inmate-discipline policies can face sanctions. Importantly, officials have not publicly confirmed that any particular alleged item directly caused Combs’ release date to change.

Why has Diddy’s release date changed so many times?

Diddy's projected release date has shifted repeatedly during his sentence. USA Today reported that his original projected release date was later adjusted several times, with reductions connected to factors including time served, good behaviour and participation in qualifying programmes. The date had most recently been moved to January 21, 2028, before the latest change to March. Sean Combs is serving a 50-month federal sentence following his 2025 conviction on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted of the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking charges.

What happens next for Sean Diddy Combs?

For now, March 2, 2028 is the projected release date listed in the Bureau of Prisons records cited by PEOPLE. But the history of changes to Combs’ projected release date shows that it can move again depending on prison records, disciplinary matters and credits. The latest development therefore adds another chapter to Combs’ complicated prison story, but without an official explanation from the Bureau of Prisons, the precise reason for the two-month delay remains unclear.