Jun 7, 2024,08:15pm EDT
Howard University announced Friday that it will revoke Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree and return his seven-figure donation to the school, citing a video of the rapper attacking his ex-girlfriend. This decision comes as Combs faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations, all of which he denies.
Key Facts:
- The board of trustees at Howard University unanimously voted to accept the return of Combs’ honorary degree, awarded in 2014, and to remove his name from the university’s list of honorary degree recipients.
- The university stated that Combs’ behavior in the 2016 video is “fundamentally incompatible” with its core values and beliefs, deeming him unworthy of the degree, which Howard University called its “highest honor.”
- Combs, who attended Howard University from 1987 to 1989, will have his $1 million contribution from 2016 returned, and the scholarship program created in his name will be disbanded.
- Howard University will also terminate a 2023 agreement for the Sean Combs Foundation to donate another $1 million, although the foundation has not yet sent the money, so no return is needed.
- The Combs scholarship was awarded to eligible undergraduate students pursuing a business degree who needed financial assistance, offering mentorship from Combs Enterprises and a summer internship with Bad Boy Entertainment or Revolt, which Combs recently sold his majority stake in.
Key Background:
- Combs recently faced his seventh sexual assault lawsuit, including a case brought by ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which was settled on undisclosed terms last year. A 2016 video obtained by CNN appeared to show Combs attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway, prompting an apology from Combs.
- Federal agents searched Combs’ properties earlier this year, and investigators may bring his accusers to testify before a grand jury. No charges have been filed against Combs, and it remains unclear whether charges will materialize.