Howard University’s Board of Trustees has made a bold decision to revoke the honorary degree awarded to Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014.
The unanimous vote came after the board deemed Combs “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honour” due to his recent controversial behavior.
In addition to revoking the honorary degree, Howard University will be returning a $1 million contribution and terminating a $1 million pledge agreement from the Sean Combs Foundation. The decision was made in response to a recently released video that captured Combs engaging in behavior that is “fundamentally incompatible” with the university’s core values and beliefs.
The historically Black college or university based in Washington, DC, also announced the disbandment of its scholarship program in Combs’ name, further distancing itself from the music mogul.
This announcement comes amidst a storm of controversy surrounding Combs, who has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits since November. The allegations of abuse and rape made by his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, have led to a federal investigation into Combs and allegations of sex trafficking.
While Combs has denied many of the claims against him, investigators are preparing to bring his accusers before a federal grand jury in New York. In addition to allegations of abuse, Combs is also facing accusations of money laundering and illegal drugs.
Despite the ongoing legal troubles, Combs recently sold a majority stake in his media company and television network, Revolt, which he founded in 2013.
