Howard University cuts ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, revokes an honorary degree awarded to him, and terminates a scholarship program in his name. based on a recently published video from 2016 which apparently shows him attacking R&B singer Cassie.
“Mr. Combs’ conduct, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of Howard University that he is no longer deemed worthy of receiving the institution’s highest honor,” the university’s board of trustees said in a press release.
The statement said the board voted unanimously on Friday to return the honorary degree Combs received in 2014. “This acceptance revokes all honors and privileges associated with the title. Accordingly, the board has ordered that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University,” it said.
The board also directed the university administration to sever financial ties with Combs, including repaying a $1 million donation, ending the scholarship program and terminating a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.
An email searching for comment was sent Saturday by the Associated Press to a Combs spokesman.
Combs admitted last month that he punched his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack. In a video statement posted on social media, he said he was “sincerely sorry” and that his actions were “inexcusable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted when I did it. I still am now,” Combs said.
A lawsuit filed last yr by Cassie, whose real name is Cassandra Ventura, sparked a wave of similar cases and public allegations against Combs. This lawsuit was settled.
