Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated his 55th birthday on November 4, 2024, not at one of his usual star-studded parties, but inside the walls of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. The prison’s modest menu: cereal, fruit and pastries for breakfast; pasta with marinara sauce, meatballs and salad for lunch; and a dinner choice of chicken fried rice or tofu with black beans and carrots was a far cry from the luxuries he once enjoyed.

For years, Diddy has been known for throwing extravagant birthday celebrations. Last year, he threw a lavish bash at London’s famed LAVO restaurant, with a guest list that included stars like Janet Jackson and longtime friend Naomi Campbell. His 50th birthday in 2019 saw stars Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kim Kardashian and Pharrell gather at his Beverly Hills mansion for a night of opulence and glamour. Those previous celebrations were in stark contrast to his 55th, which was held at a venue often described as “hell on earth.”

Diddy has been in custody since September 2024, following serious allegations including sex trafficking, blackmail and prostitution. Known for his infamous “Freak Off” parties, where revelry often escalated into scandalous territory, he now faces multiple lawsuits accusing him of drugging, sexual assault and human trafficking at the gatherings. An anonymous plaintiff alleges the rapper drugged him and “passed him around as a gift” at a 2022 afterparty, while another lawsuit accuses him of assaulting a 13-year-old girl at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards post-party.

Despite the seriousness of these allegations, Diddy maintains his innocence. His legal team has steadfastly denied all allegations, stating, “The truth will prevail in court, and it will be clear that Diddy never assaulted or trafficked anyone, male or female, adult or minor.” As Diddy awaits trial in May 2025, his 55th birthday is a stark reminder of how drastically his once glamorous lifestyle has changed.