Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again seeking release on bail ahead of his October sentencing, citing inhumane conditions at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), including claims of being served expired and maggot-infested food.
In a letter submitted on Sunday to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, Combs’ attorney Marc Agnifilo described the facility as “inhumane” and pointed to what he termed “exceptional circumstances” that warrant his client’s temporary release.
“MDC routinely serves food that is expired or infested with maggots,” Agnifilo wrote in the filing, reportedly referencing a disturbing photo of the alleged meal. “The maggot-infested food captured in that photo is, unfortunately, not an uncommon experience.”
The letter also highlighted the frequency of lockdowns at the federal prison, adding to the distress experienced by the 55-year-old Bad Boy Records founder, who has been behind bars since his arrest in September 2024 on charges including sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution.
After an eight-week high-profile trial that began in May, Combs was convicted on July 2 of two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution. He was acquitted of the more severe charges. He now faces up to 20 years in prison, 10 years for each count, with sentencing scheduled for October 3.
Following the conviction, Agnifilo immediately requested bail, but Judge Subramanian denied the motion, referencing his earlier decision to deny bail before trial and stating there was “no reason to reach the opposite conclusion” now. However, the judge did indicate a willingness to consider moving the sentencing date forward.
In his latest plea, Agnifilo called the continued detention of Combs “unfair,” claiming the government is “hellbent on punishing [Combs] for being a user of prostitution services in a more draconian manner than anyone in U.S. history.”
He also argued that Combs poses no flight risk or danger to the public, asserting that the Grammy-winning artist has shown “nothing but respect for the criminal justice system and everyone in it from the first minute in jail.”
In a separate interview with Variety, Agnifilo said Combs’ time in prison has been “difficult,” particularly the quality of food, which he called the “roughest” part of his client’s experience. “He misses his kids. He’s learned a lot. What he wants to do when he gets out is to start small,” the lawyer said. “He wants to spend time with his children and get reacquainted with his own life.”
Combs’ time at MDC has drawn national attention, particularly after reports of meager and questionable meals served during holidays, including a Fourth of July menu consisting of a hamburger, bean burger, and two hot dogs.
Amid the renewed bail appeal, there are reports that former President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” issuing a pardon for Combs, though the White House has declined to comment. “The White House will not confirm or deny pardons that may or may not happen,” a source said last month.
As the October sentencing approaches, Combs’ legal team continues to push for improved conditions or early release, while public scrutiny intensifies over the treatment of high-profile inmates at federal facilities.
Written By Rodney Mbua
