Sean 'P Diddy' Combs is used to celebrating his birthday in style - but this year, he spent it behind bars after being accused of a string of crimes.
The Bad Boy millionaire turned 55 on Monday while 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. Combs - who has performed under the names Diddy, Puff Daddy and Love - has had two bail pleas rejected, despite offering $50,000 (£38,000) for his release.
He 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 and has the support of his seven children, who have publicly shared their love for him.
Here's what the star's birthday looked like in prison...
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princejdc/Instagram)Family phone call
The music mogul was called by his children - Quincy, 33, Justin, 30, Christian, 26, Chance, 18, twins D'Lila and Jessie, 17, and one-year-old Love - who wished him a happy birthday. Justin took to Instagram on Monday to share a video clip of the siblings gathered around a table with a birthday cake in front of them and their father on the phone.
The footage showed Love leading the sing-a-long as they delivered a rendition of Happy Birthday - prompting Combs to declare his love for his kids. He stated that he is looking forward to seeing them soon. Justin shared the clip along with a caption stating: "Happy Birthday Pops, we love you!"
Diddy could be heard saying: "I love y'all, I can't wait to see y'all. I'm proud of y'all, especially the girls, all of y'all, but just for being strong, thank you for being strong. Thank you for being by my side and supporting me. I got the best family in the world. My birthday, I'm happy for you giving me this call, I'll see you in a couple of days." He responded to Love: "I love you too, baby."
The message provoked a mixed response from Justin's followers as some noted the severity of the crimes his father is accused of. Others were sympathetic to the children's situation, with one writing: "One thing he did was teach them to stick together!"
After the accusations against Combs were made public in light of his arrest, the troubled star's kids issued a statement of support for him. They told People: "Many have judged both him and us based on accusations, conspiracy theories, and false narratives that have spiralled into absurdity on social media."
They added: "We stand united, supporting you every step of the way. We hold onto the truth, knowing it will prevail, and nothing will break the strength of our family. WE MISS YOU & LOVE YOU DAD. Quincy, Justin, Christian, Chance, Jessie & D'Lila."
Modest meal
Diddy's food options were considerably less glamorous than his usual birthday meals. While he would usually surround himself with A-list stars and knock back bottles of the most expensive champagne imaginable, Combs was forced to spend his time with inmates, eating simple jail food. Italian foods and vegetables were on offer, according to a report.
The New York Post reported on Monday that his lunch options were "cheese pizza, Italian pasta salad and green beans." Later, the star could expect to find a dinner option consisting of "chicken or tofu fried rice with black beans and carrots." Lunch is served at the facility at 11am, and dinner is served at 4pm.
A lawyer for the music star previously hit out about the level of catering on offer to him while he is on the inside. Attorney Marc Agnifilo revealed that the singer has found the food options the hardest part of being locked up. He stated that the food's "probably the roughest part" of Diddy's time behind bars.
Combs has denied all allegations made against him, with a lawyer previously telling 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."
English (US) ·