University Revokes Diddy’s Honorary Degree; Returns Donations

The Howard University Board of Trustees voted overwhelmingly to withdraw Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree from 2014.

The decision came after CNN released a 2016 security footage of Combs physically abusing his former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, at the now-defunct InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

The historically Black college or university in Washington, DC, has announced that it will discontinue its scholarship programme in Combs’ name.

“This acceptance revokes all honours and privileges associated with the degree,” said a statement from the Howard University Board of Trustees.

The Board has requested that Combs’ name be deleted from all materials indicating Howard University honorary degree holders.

The University added, “Mr. Combs’ behaviour as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honour.” “The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence,” the board added, linking to the school’s “Interpersonal Violence Prevention” webpage in the statement.

The Board has also asked the University administration to cancel a 2016 gift agreement with Combs, close the scholarship programme in his honour, and refund his $1 million contribution.

Howard will also terminate a $1 million pledge deal with the Sean Combs Foundation, which was signed in 2023.

As of this writing, the Sean Combs Foundation has not made any payments on that obligation.

Howard University’s announcement comes amid the ongoing scandal surrounding the once-popular Bad Boy Records music entrepreneur.

Combs has been mentioned in eight lawsuits since November when Ventura accused him in a now-settled allegation of abuse throughout their relationship and rape in 2018.

Combs has been sued multiple times for sexual assault and other criminal acts.

He has not replied to all of the charges against him, although he has disputed claims in numerous litigation proceedings.

The US Department of Homeland Security’s investigative arm has already opened a federal investigation into Combs and alleged sex trafficking.

Investigators searched his Los Angeles and Miami homes on March 25 as part of the investigation.

There have been no federal criminal accusations made against the music executive.

The surveillance video published by CNN could be used as evidence in the federal inquiry.

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Nnamdi Okoli