The board of Howard University has revoked the honorary degree conferred upon hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing behaviour fundamentally incompatible with the institution’s values, bbc.com reports. This action follows the release of a CCTV video by CNN, depicting Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, in a hotel hallway.
The video, which surfaced last month, has sparked widespread condemnation. In response, Combs issued a public apology, expressing profound regret for his actions. “I was disgusted when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he stated, detailing his subsequent efforts to seek professional help through therapy and rehab. “I’m so sorry,” he added.
Howard University awarded Combs the honorary degree in 2014, recognising his contributions to the music industry and philanthropy. However, in its statement on Friday, the university maintained that the recent revelations necessitated a reevaluation of this honour. Additionally, the institution announced the termination of a scholarship in Combs’ name and the end of a 2016 “gift agreement,” which included a $1 million donation from his foundation.
The Sean Combs Foundation has not commented on these developments. The university’s statement underscored its staunch opposition to interpersonal violence, affirming the decision to remove Combs’ name from all official documents listing honorary degree recipients.
This decision comes amid a series of legal challenges for Combs. Four women, including Ventura, have filed lawsuits accusing him of sexual and physical abuse. While Ventura’s lawsuit was settled in November, Combs has consistently denied the allegations, branding them as “sickening” and motivated by financial gain.
In March, federal agents raided two properties owned by Combs as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation. Combs’ lawyer condemned the raid as an “unprecedented ambush” and reiterated his client’s innocence.
- Featured image: The rapper wearing a graduates’ outfit/Getty Images
