Sean “Diddy” Combs, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur currently serving a prison sentence, is facing allegations from employees who claim they are not being paid during his incarceration. His representative has denied these claims, asserting that all payments are properly managed.
Reports from TMZ, published on January 6, 2026, indicate that Diddy’s financial affairs are overseen by the business management firm Tri Star Sports & Entertainment while he is imprisoned. Sources reveal that Tri Star is maintaining strict control over fund disbursements, leading to unpaid wages for several employees, including attorneys handling Diddy’s numerous civil lawsuits. This has reportedly caused frustration and at least one resignation among his staff.
In response to the allegations, Diddy’s spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, told TMZ that “people, personnel, and attorneys are all being paid, and no one is leaving.” Engelmayer emphasized that Sean Combs retains control over his finances and that payments are processed after work completion and routine review, suggesting standard business practices are in place.
The financial restrictions also affect Diddy’s family, who must navigate a predefined budget when accessing his money. For example, when organizing a family dinner in New York City before his sentencing, they were required to submit an invoice to Tri Star for reimbursement. Initially denied, the expense was eventually covered after appeals, illustrating the procedural challenges faced by his loved ones.
Diddy, born Sean John Combs, was convicted on two Mann Act violations in 2025 and is serving a 50-month sentence at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security federal prison in New Jersey. His legal troubles have been widely publicized, with this pay issue emerging as a new complication. Despite his incarceration, he maintains connections with family, such as receiving a visit from his son Justin on Christmas Day, as noted in the reports.
The AOL article, which republished the TMZ report on the same day, corroborates these details, highlighting the story’s widespread coverage and adding credibility through dual-source verification. This consistent reporting underscores the significance of the allegations in the public domain.
If the payment delays persist, they could escalate into legal disputes, with unpaid employees potentially filing complaints or lawsuits. This situation sheds light on the complexities of managing celebrity estates during imprisonment and the ethical responsibilities of financial custodians like Tri Star.
Looking ahead, the resolution of this pay dispute will be closely monitored, as it may influence public perception and Diddy’s future business endeavors. It also serves as a case study in the intersection of entertainment, law, and finance, prompting discussions on best practices for asset management in similar circumstances.
