Sam Bankman-Fried, the once-billionaire founder of the collapsed crypto exchange FTX, is opening up about life behind bars — and one of his most unexpected friendships. Turns out, he’s been spending time with none other than music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Both men are currently being held at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, and while their charges couldn’t be more different, it seems they’ve found some common ground. Bankman-Fried, 32, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering in connection with one of the biggest financial scandals in history. Meanwhile, 55-year-old Combs faces multiple serious allegations, including sex trafficking and racketeering, and has been denied bail multiple times.
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In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Bankman-Fried described the prison as a “weird environment” but said Diddy has been kind to him and others in their unit. “He’s been kind,” Bankman-Fried said with a nervous laugh when asked if the two had become friends. “It’s a tough place to be, but you see people for who they are on the inside.”
The detention center also houses other high-profile inmates, including Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Despite the heavy atmosphere and the high-profile nature of some of his fellow prisoners, Bankman-Fried says that forming connections has made life a little more bearable.
As for Diddy, his legal troubles have been making headlines for months. The music producer and entrepreneur faces a slew of accusations, including sex trafficking and using physical violence against employees. His trial is set for May 5 in Manhattan, and so far, he’s denied all allegations.
Both men’s stories have captivated the public, but their unlikely friendship behind bars is adding yet another twist to their already dramatic narratives. It’s a reminder that no matter how powerful someone once was, prison has a way of leveling the playing field.
