Kaylah Walton
Sean “P Diddy” Combs, the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul, appeared significantly changed during his latest court appearance, showing noticeable weight loss and graying hair. He is currently facing serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering and has spent the last three months at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), known for its harsh environment.
Observers, including Law and Crime Network’s Elizabeth Milner, have remarked on Combs’ altered appearance, attributing his weight loss to the challenging conditions of incarceration. Reports indicate that Combs has been avoiding meals due to safety concerns while in custody.
Safety Concerns emerge
According to Larry Levine, from Wall Street Prison Consultants, Combs‘ choice to forgo meals likely stems from worries about being targeted while incarcerated. During a discussion on the Daily Mail podcast The Trial of Diddy, Levine expressed that as a well-known inmate, Combs might feel particularly vulnerable.
“He has a lot of enemies. There are people who want to harm him,” Levine stated, suggesting a fear of poisoning might be a factor in Combs‘ eating habits. “Imagine someone on the outside having a connection in the prison, slipping something into his food gradually to poison him.”
The MDC has a reputation for violence, marked by numerous fights and even deaths among inmates. Such a threatening atmosphere could be intensifying Combs‘ distress, leading to his decision to refuse food and his noticeable physical decline.
As the holiday season draws near, Combs’ experience will starkly contrast his typical extravagant celebrations. Levine mentioned that inmates in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), where Combs is reportedly located, often experience isolation during Christmas.
While many inmates receive holiday “goodie bags” filled with treats, those in the SHU have restricted access to commissary items.
The holidays can also heighten tensions within prison walls due to limited visiting hours and overcrowding. “More altercations happen between inmates during the holidays than at any other time,” Levine noted.
