In a unanimous decision, Howard University’s Board of Trustees has voted to revoke the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree conferred upon Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014, as reported by The Hilltop, the university’s student newspaper.
The revocation of the honorary degree, along with the decision to return Diddy’s $1 million donation to the institution and cancel his pledge to donate an additional million dollars, comes in response to recent events.
The university cited behavior exhibited by Diddy, captured in a disturbing video, as the basis for their decision.
A statement released by Howard University reads: “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 video referenced in the statement depicts Diddy assaulting Cassie, a disturbing incident that occurred in 2016.
The board further announced that all honors and privileges associated with the honorary degree will be revoked, including the removal of Diddy’s name from all documents listing honorary degree recipients of Howard University.
Diddy had previously issued an apology video in response to the 2016 footage, expressing remorse and taking full responsibility for his actions.
“I mean, I hit rock bottom but I make no excuses,” he stated. “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.”
Following the release of the footage, a number of celebrities, including John Legend, 50 Cent, Ray J, and others, have condemned Diddy for his actions.
In addition to the 2016 incident, further controversy surrounds Diddy, as Cassie filed a lawsuit in November of last year accusing him of rape and abuse throughout their relationship. The lawsuit was settled shortly after it was filed.
Moreover, in March of 2024, Diddy’s Miami and Los Angeles homes were raided, and he faces multiple other lawsuits alleging rape and abuse.
