Sean “Diddy” Combs is back in the spotlight, not for his music or business, but as a prisoner. Newly released mugshots show a markedly different Diddy, and he is simultaneously pressing forward with his legal battle after a high-profile conviction.

A Changed Image Behind Bars

Newly released photos from the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, provide a rare look at Sean “Diddy” Combs behind bars. He appears with overgrown gray hair and a full beard, dressed in prison-issued clothing, a stark contrast to his public image.

Combs was transferred to Fort Dix in late October from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The move was partly requested by his legal team so he could participate in the facility’s Residential Drug Abuse Program, which may allow for a reduction in his sentence.

The Legal Stakes: Appeals and Challenges

Sean “Diddy” Combs is not only serving his prison sentence but is also actively pursuing an appeal of both his conviction and the length of his sentence. He was convicted on two counts of “transportation to engage in prostitution,” federal charges that carry significant legal consequences. Although he was acquitted of more serious allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking, the remaining conviction still exposes him to a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

The appeal process for Combs is being accelerated, a departure from the standard timeline, which typically spans 12 to 18 months. Oral arguments are now scheduled for April 2026, allowing his legal team to pursue a faster resolution.

In recent proceedings, a federal judge denied Combs’ request to overturn the conviction or grant a new trial. The court found the evidence supporting the transportation-for-prostitution charges to be sufficient and dismissed arguments from the defense that his involvement in the incidents was constitutionally protected. This ruling leaves the conviction intact while Combs continues to pursue his appeal through the court system.

The Conviction and Sentence

The charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs arose from testimony presented during his 2025 trial. Prosecutors stated that he had arranged for male escorts to travel between states to engage in sexual acts with his girlfriends during gatherings that were reportedly extended and involved drug use. Additionally, the prosecution alleged that Combs recorded some of these encounters, during which he was accused of masturbating, and argued that the recordings were used to exert pressure on participants.

On October 3, 2025, Combs was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, ordered to pay a $500,000 fine, and placed under five years of supervised release following his incarceration. The time he had already spent in custody before sentencing was applied toward his overall sentence.

Projected Release and Potential for Reductions

Federal prison records indicate that Sean “Diddy” Combs is projected to be released on May 8, 2028, taking into account credits for good behavior. His participation in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) at Fort Dix presents an opportunity to further reduce his sentence, potentially by up to a year, if he completes the program successfully.

What the Photos Represent

The mugshots carry more than just a visual record; they symbolize a dramatic shift in Combs’ life. Once known for wealth and extravagance, he is now a prisoner living under strict routines in a communal setting, far from his former glamorous image.

The photos also reflect a broader fall from cultural prominence. For Combs, they may serve as a visual element in his appeal, showing a man humbled and possibly changed by his time behind bars.