Howard University has decided to sever its ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, cancel the honorary degree awarded to him, and cancel a scholarship program in his name. Following a recently released video in 2016 who appeared to attack R&B singer Cassie.
“Mr. Combs’ conduct as seen in a recently released video is so fundamentally inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of Howard University that he no longer deserves to receive the institution’s highest honor,” a statement from the university’s Board of Trustees said.
The statement said the board voted unanimously on Friday to accept the reinstatement of the honorary degree Combs received in 2014. “This acceptance annuls all honors and privileges associated with this degree. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University.
The board also directed university administrators to sever financial ties with Combs, including returning a $1 million contribution, ending the scholarship program and terminating the 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.
An email seeking comment was sent to Combs’ spokesman by The Associated Press on Saturday.
Combs admitted last month He allegedly beat up his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel lobby in 2016 after CNN published a video of the attack. In a video statement posted on social media, he said he was “truly sorry” and that his actions were “inexcusable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted afterwards when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” Combs said.
The lawsuit filed last year by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sparked a wave of accusations Similar cases and general allegations v. Combs. That lawsuit was settled.
