Education
Howard University cuts ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs after video of Cassie attack
Howard University is severing ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, rescinding his honorary doctorate and eliminating a scholarship program named after him following a video recently released in 2016 during which he appeared to attack R&B singer Cassie.
“Mr. Combs’ conduct captured in the recently released video is so fundamentally inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of Howard University that he is no longer deemed worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor,” the university’s Board of Trustees said.
The statement said the board on Friday unanimously approved the return of the honorary degree Combs received in 2014.
“This acceptance nullifies all honors and privileges associated with this rank. Accordingly, the Board has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing individuals who have received an honorary doctorate from Howard University,” it said.
The board also ordered university administrators to sever financial ties with Combs, which included returning a $1 million contribution, ending the scholarship program and terminating the 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.
The Associated Press sent an email looking for comment to Combs’ spokesman on Saturday.
Last month, Combs admitted that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN published video of the attack. In a video statement posted on social media, he said he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions on this video. Then I used to be disgusted after I did it. Now I’m disgusted,” Combs said.
A lawsuit filed last yr by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sparked a wave of similar cases and public allegations against Combs. This lawsuit has been settled.