Rapper and music mogul Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, is set for an earlier-than-expected release from prison as he continues efforts to appeal his four-year sentence.
The Bad Boy Records founder, currently serving a 50-month sentence at Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey for prostitution-related convictions, will now be released on April 25, 2028—roughly six weeks ahead of his previous release date of June 4, 2028.
Rehabilitation Programme Leads to Early Release Adjustment
The move follows Combs’ acceptance into the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) in November, a program designed to support inmates’ rehabilitation. A representative stated,
“Mr Combs is an active participant in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) and has taken his rehabilitation process seriously from the start. He is fully engaged in his work, focused on growth, and committed to positive change.”
The rapper’s release date had already been adjusted multiple times. Initially set for May 8, 2028, it was pushed back to June 4 after he allegedly violated prison regulations, reportedly by consuming homemade alcohol and participating in an unauthorised three-way phone call. Combs’ legal team denied the phone call breach, citing attorney-client privilege.
Life Behind Bars and Personal Growth
Images released by TMZ showed Combs inside the facility, smiling as he interacted with another inmate while dressed in grey prison attire. The 56-year-old marked his birthday behind bars with a pizza meal and has reportedly taken up work in the facility’s laundry unit.
Before sentencing, Combs reflected on his downfall in a heartfelt four-page letter:
“I literally lost my mind. I’m sorry for that and always will be… My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core… The old me died in jail and a new version of me was born. Prison will change you or kill you – I choose to live.”
Ongoing Legal Battles and Appeals
Diddy continues to challenge his conviction. In December, he filed an appeal seeking either immediate release or a reduced sentence, claiming prosecutors failed to prove key elements of their case and that the punishment violated his constitutional rights. Prosecutors opposed the appeal in February.
Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, avoiding a longer sentence, but convicted on two counts of transporting individuals to engage in prostitution. Since his arrest in September 2024, speculation has swirled around potential avenues for clemency, including a presidential pardon. Former President Donald Trump acknowledged a pardon request, noting,
“A lot of people have asked me for pardons. I call him Puff Daddy; he has asked me for a pardon.”
