Howard University has decided to sever ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, reversing the decision to award him an honorary degree and discontinuing a scholarship program established in his name following a troubling 2016 video.
The footage, which recently surfaced, showed Combs allegedly attacking R&B singer Cassie.
In a statement released by the university’s Board of Trustees, they expressed that Combs’ actions, as depicted in the video, contradicted the core values and beliefs of Howard University.
As a result, the board unanimously agreed to retract the honorary degree bestowed upon Combs in 2014.
The statement further detailed that all honors and privileges associated with the degree would be revoked, and Combs’ name would be expunged from any documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University.
Additionally, the board instructed university administrators to sever financial connections with Combs, including the return of a $1 million contribution, the cessation of the scholarship program, and the dissolution of a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.
Combs publicly acknowledged last month, after CNN released the video of the assault, that he had assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016.
In a video statement shared on social media, Combs expressed deep regret for his actions, describing them as “inexcusable” and taking full responsibility.
A lawsuit filed by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, in 2023 sparked a string of similar cases and public allegations against Combs.
The lawsuit has since been settled.
The Associated Press reached out to a spokesperson for Combs for comment but received no response.
It is evident that Howard University has taken a firm stance against behavior that goes against its values, demonstrating a commitment to upholding integrity and accountability among its honorary degree recipients.
