Howard University’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday to rescind Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, terminate long-term relationships with the rap artist and businessman, and return his $1 million donation.
According to a statement from the university, the board also decided to cancel a $1 million pledge from 2023 that the Sean Combs Foundation never fulfilled.
Howard will revoke “all honors and privileges” associated with Diddy’s 2014 Doctor of Humanities honorary degree, which includes being invited to participate in special events and occasions.
This decision was made in response to a recently released video from 2016, showing Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura.
“Mr. Combs’ behavior, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the university’s statement read.
The university’s actions come on the heels of a series of lawsuits and sexual assault allegations against Combs.
These allegations surfaced after Ventura filed a federal lawsuit last November, describing years of abuse. Combs settled the lawsuit for $30 million.
Following the release of the hotel footage, Diddy posted an apology video on Instagram on May 19, where he expressed his remorse, stating he was “disgusted” by his actions.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attended Howard University from fall 1987 to spring 1989, according to university records.
The $1 million that Howard will return was donated in 2016 and used to fund a scholarship program in Combs’ name.
In a statement from Howard University, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its community.
“Howard University holds its community members to the highest standards of integrity and respect. The actions taken against Mr. Combs are a reflection of our dedication to these principles.”
This decision marks a significant step in the university’s efforts to address and respond to incidents of misconduct, especially those involving prominent figures.
Howard said, “Take Back…Take Back!”
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Source: The Hilltop
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