Rapper Sean Combs, widely known as Diddy, is now expected to be released from prison earlier than previously projected as he continues to challenge his conviction and sentence.
The music mogul, currently serving a four-year sentence on prostitution-related offences, will now leave custody approximately six weeks ahead of schedule. Records from the US Federal Bureau of Prisons indicate that his release date has been adjusted from June 4, 2028, to April 25, 2028.
Combs is serving a 50-month term at the Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey.
The revised timeline followed his admission into a drug rehabilitation initiative last November. A representative for the rapper said at the time, “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 adjustment represents another change in his projected release. His freedom date had initially been fixed for May 8, 2028, before authorities extended it to June 4 after allegations that he breached prison rules.
Reports claimed Combs consumed homemade alcohol and took part in an unauthorised three-way phone conversation. According to TMZ, the drink was allegedly produced by fermenting sugar, apples and Fanta for about two weeks.
His lawyers rejected parts of the allegations, maintaining that the disputed phone call fell under attorney-client privilege protections.
A spokesperson told Page Six, “Mr Combs is in his first week at FCI Fort Dix and is focused on adjusting, working on himself, and doing better each day.
“As with any high-profile individual in a new environment, there will be many rumours and exaggerated stories throughout his time there—most of them untrue.
“We ask that people give him the benefit of the doubt, the privacy to focus on his personal growth with grace and purpose.”
Recently released images showed the Bad Boy Records founder moving through a prison corridor dressed in grey sweatwear and sporting a goatee while interacting with another inmate.
Prior to sentencing, Combs issued a four-page apology reflecting on his actions, writing: “I literally lost my mind. I’m sorry for that and always will be… I lost my way. 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.”
He reportedly celebrated his 56th birthday behind bars with pizza and has since taken on duties in the prison laundry unit.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings surrounding his conviction remain ongoing. In December, Combs filed an appeal seeking either immediate release or a reduced sentence, arguing prosecutors failed to establish crucial elements of the case and that his punishment breached constitutional protections. Prosecutors opposed the appeal in February.
The rapper has remained in custody since his September 2024 arrest. He was found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution but cleared of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges — a decision that prevented a much longer sentence.
His legal team also explored the possibility of clemency from former US president Donald Trump, who acknowledged the request, saying, “A lot of people have asked me for pardons. I call him Puff Daddy; he has asked me for a pardon.”
