Howard University is cutting ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, rescinding an honorary degree awarded to him and disbanding a scholarship program that bears his name, following a video recently released in 2016 which showed him attacking R&B singer Cassie.
“Mr. Combs’ behavior captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of Howard University that he is considered no longer worthy of holding holds the institution’s highest honor,” a statement from the university’s Board of Regents said.
The statement said the board voted unanimously on Friday to accept the return of the honorary degree Combs received in 2014. “This acceptance cancels all honors and privileges associated with the degree grant. Accordingly, the Board directs his name to be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University,” the announcement said.
The board also directed university administrators to sever financial ties with Combs, including returning the $1 million donation, terminating the scholarship program and canceling the 2023 commitment agreement with the Foundation. Sean Combs.
An email seeking comment was sent by the Associated Press to Combs’ spokesman on Saturday.
Combs admitted last month that he beat 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 “truly sorry” and that his actions were “unforgivable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. At the time, I felt disgusted doing that. Now I feel disgusted,” Combs said.
A lawsuit filed last year by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sparked an outcry Similar cases and public accusations against Comb. That lawsuit has been settled.
