Receiving Massages and Playing Screen Golf in Prison...The "Emperor Cell" Life of Billionaire Rapper

Diddy’s Ultra-Luxurious Prison Life Continues to Make Headlines
Suspicions of Smuggled Phones and Top-Shelf Liquor Emerge

Following reports of massages, premium liquor, and smartphones inside prisons, now "apartments" equipped with air conditioning and large-screen TVs—and even screen golf facilities—are making an appearance behind bars. As instances of “ultra-luxury prison life”—enjoyable only for a select few—are exposed around the world, controversy is growing over whether inmates receive special treatment based on wealth and influence, even within prison walls.

The person currently at the center of this controversy is American hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs (56). On September 29 (local time), NBC News in the United States reported on Combs’ life in prison, based on the testimonies of four inmates who shared a prison wing with him at the Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey, along with supporting photos and videos. In 2025, Combs was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution and sentenced to 50 months in prison, which he is now serving. The jury found him not guilty of additional major charges, including prostitution, extortion, and criminal organization-related felonies.

The figure recently at the center of controversy is American hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs (56). On the 29th of last month (local time), NBC News in the U.S. reported on his prison life based on testimonies from four inmates who were housed in the same federal penitentiary wing at Fort Dix, New Jersey, along with photos and videos. Reuters Yonhap News

According to these reports, Combs is essentially living with a “personal staff” inside the prison. Some inmates are reportedly preparing special dishes like pizza, empanadas, and curry chicken for Combs, while others make his bed or handle his laundry. There are even claims that someone is responsible for cleaning the bathroom or shower before he uses them, and another inmate provides traditional Chinese massages. It is alleged that external individuals transfer payments to inmates’ commissary accounts in return for these services, with claims that Combs spends several thousand dollars each month. One inmate told NBC, “This is not something you would normally see happen in prison.”

Meanwhile, suspicions have also surfaced about the use of banned items. Combs is said to have accessed social media via a smuggled smartphone and viewed explicit images sent from outside, as well as watched movies on a modified tablet PC. Some inmates claimed Combs procured antidepressants from other prisoners or enjoyed expensive cognac smuggled into the facility with others.

Combs’ representatives denied these allegations, saying that the media is distorting and exaggerating even routine aspects of prison life. His spokesperson stated that Combs is abiding by all regulations and is currently awaiting the court’s decision on his appeal. The Federal Bureau of Prisons also said it could not comment on specific inmates due to privacy and security concerns but added that it continues to investigate smuggling and staff misconduct within correctional institutions.

Air Conditioning, Large-Screen TVs, Screen Golf...“Apartments” Inside Prison

Around the same time in Indonesia, controversy broke out after facilities resembling actual villas or apartments were found inside a prison. On September 23, the Ombudsman of Indonesia conducted an unannounced inspection of Cibinong Prison near Jakarta and discovered over ten residential-type facilities, physically separated from the regular cell blocks. Each facility included air conditioning, a large flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, sofa, and dining area. Investigators found not only fitness facilities, but also a golf simulator under installation. Luxury vehicles were also spotted parked nearby.

The Ombudsman stated that actual inmates were discovered inside these spaces during the inspection and said, “There is clear evidence that certain inmates had access to special facilities unavailable to ordinary prisoners.” Prison officials explained that the facility was originally intended for staff accommodation. However, authorities are investigating whether inmates have, in effect, used the area as personal lodgings in exchange for money or valuables.

Particularly, an access route was discovered at the back of the building that bypassed the main entrance, allowing movement directly outside. As the scandal grew, the Indonesian Correctional Service and Immigration Agency suspended the Cibinong prison warden and four related staff members, and are questioning dozens of inmates and employees. On September 30, authorities began tearing down these luxury facilities. Previously, there had been repeated allegations that wealthy inmates in Indonesia used spaces different from the general population or paid money to receive privileges for outings.

“A Prison You Want to Be In”—Somang Prison Under Renewed Scrutiny in Korea

Controversy also exists in Korea regarding disparities in prisoner treatment within correctional institutions. A prime example is Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, the only private prison in Korea. Opened in 2010 and operated by a Christian foundation, Somang Prison has a capacity of 400 inmates. It is known to offer a relatively comfortable environment and a range of rehabilitation programs compared to regular state-run prisons.

According to data from the Ministry of Justice, the area per inmate in a conventional prison is 2.58㎡, whereas in Somang Prison it is 3.98㎡. Inmates are addressed by their names instead of numbers, and staff and prisoners share the same menu for meals. Somang Prison provides not only psychological tests such as MBTI but also humanities, music, and art education, instrument lessons, and book clubs. It also offers barista training as a vocational course. Barbecue events, where staff and inmates grill and eat meat together, are also held. Due to such amenities, some inmates refer to it as “a prison you want to be in.”

According to data from the Ministry of Justice, the area per inmate in a regular prison is 2.58㎡, whereas Somang Prison provides 3.98㎡. In Somang Prison, inmates are addressed by their names instead of numbers, and staff and prisoners share the same menu for meals. Somang Prison

However, Somang Prison differs in nature from the illegal “luxury prison cells” that became a problem overseas. Its spacious accommodation and diverse educational and rehabilitation programs are officially provided to all inmates as part of institutional policy, not as secret perks for wealthy or influential inmates. This reflects the very purpose for which private prisons were established: to prevent recidivism and support successful reintegration into society.

Nevertheless, not everyone is eligible for transfer to Somang Prison. Applicants must meet certain criteria: they must be male, aged between 20 and 60, on their first or second conviction, with a remaining sentence of at least one year and a total sentence of seven years or less. Those convicted of organized crime or drug offenses are excluded. If there are more applicants than spots available, the Ministry of Justice first reviews applicants, followed by an interview process by Somang Prison to determine the final transfers.

Consequently, some have called for greater transparency in the selection process used to choose those allowed to benefit from these relatively good conditions. In particular, last year there was controversy over allegations that Kim Hojoong, a singer, was asked for money in connection with his transfer to Somang Prison, raising scrutiny of the selection and oversight system at private correctional facilities.

At the time, a Somang Prison official was alleged to have requested 30 million won from Kim Hojoong’s side in exchange for the transfer, prompting the Ministry of Justice to launch a fact-finding investigation. The probe reportedly found no evidence that the official had actually influenced the selection process or that payments had been made. Nonetheless, the incident led to calls for strengthened oversight on the hiring and training of civilian correctional officers, anti-corruption systems, and the management of the inmate selection process. Although Somang Prison is privately operated, a significant portion of its operating costs is covered by the state. Since prison staff wield authority over protection, discipline, and rehabilitation akin to that of public correctional institutions, some argue that a comparable level of transparency and accountability is necessary.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.