Howard University Revokes Honorary Degree Awarded to Sean 'Diddy' Combs

Howard University has announced its decision to sever all ties with Sean "Diddy" Combs, including rescinding an honorary degree awarded to him and disbanding a scholarship program bearing his name. This action comes in the wake of a 2016 video surfacing, which allegedly shows Combs attacking R&B singer Cassie. The university's Board of Trustees stated that Combs' actions, as depicted in the video, starkly contradict the institution's fundamental values and beliefs, rendering him unworthy of holding the university's highest honour.

The Board of Trustees revealed that they voted unanimously on Friday to accept the return of the honorary degree Combs received in 2014. This decision effectively revokes all honors and privileges associated with the degree. Furthermore, the board has instructed that Combs' name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University.

In addition to rescinding the honorary degree, Howard University's administrators have been directed to terminate financial associations with Combs. This includes returning a significant USD 1 million contribution, ending a scholarship program in his name, and dissolving a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.

The controversy surrounding Combs intensified last month when he admitted to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016. This admission came after CNN released video footage of the incident. In a video statement shared on social media, Combs expressed his remorse, describing his actions as "inexcusable" and stating that he takes "full responsibility" for his behavior in the video. "I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now," he said.

The lawsuit filed by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, against Combs last year has sparked a series of similar cases and public allegations against him. The lawsuit has since been settled. An email seeking comment on these developments was sent to a spokesperson for Combs by The Associated Press on Saturday.