Washington, D.C. – Howard University has taken the decision to cut ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, retracting an honorary degree given to him and putting an end to a scholarship program in his name, following the surfacing of a 2016 video showing him allegedly attacking R&B singer Cassie.
The university’s Board of Trustees released a statement emphasizing that Combs’ actions in the recently surfaced video are completely at odds with the core values and beliefs of Howard University. As a result, the board unanimously voted to revoke the honorary degree bestowed upon Combs in 2014, stripping him of all associated honors and privileges.
Furthermore, the board instructed university administrators to sever all financial connections to Combs, including the return of a $1 million donation, discontinuing the scholarship program, and dissolving a pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation set for 2023.
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Combs is yet to issue a comment following a request for their response by The Associated Press. Combs recently publicly acknowledged last month that he physically assaulted his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel corridor in 2016 after footage of the incident was released by CNN. Through a video statement released on social media, he expressed deep remorse for his actions, describing them as unacceptable.
Following a lawsuit filed by Cassie, legal name Cassandra Ventura, against Combs last year, numerous similar cases and public accusations against Combs have come to light. The lawsuit between Cassie and Combs was ultimately resolved.
The decision made by Howard University to sever ties with Combs underscores the significance of upholding core values and beliefs within institutions, regardless of a person’s status or achievements.