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Howard University’s board of trustees has voted to rescind an honorary degree presented to American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2014. This decision came on Friday after a video surfaced showing Combs kicking, hitting, and dragging his then-girlfriend 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,” a Howard spokesperson stated on behalf of the board. “The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”
Along with rescinding the honorary degree, the board has instructed Howard University to return Combs’ $1 million contribution, terminate a 2016 gift agreement, disband a scholarship program in his name, and end a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation. The board noted that no payments towards the pledge had been made.
Combs, 54, has faced numerous lawsuits in recent months alleging he raped or sexually assaulted multiple women over the past few decades. In March, his Los Angeles home was raided by Homeland Security Investigations agents, reportedly in connection with an ongoing sex trafficking investigation in New York. He is also accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a model in 2003.
2016 Assault Video
The university’s announcement follows the release of a video from 2016 last month showing Combs striking and dragging his girlfriend at the time, Cassie Ventura. The hotel surveillance video, obtained by CNN, reportedly dates from March 5, 2016, and is compiled from multiple camera angles. This incident matches an allegation included in Ventura’s November lawsuit against Combs for sex trafficking, rape, and physical abuse. The two settled the civil suit one day after it was filed.
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In the video, Ventura is seen walking to an elevator in what CNN reports is the now-closed InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. Combs catches up with Ventura before the elevator arrives, striking and yanking her by the hair, and throwing her to the ground. He then kicks Ventura twice while she is on the floor, picks up her bag, and drags her back toward the hotel rooms. He subsequently lets her go, appearing to say something to her as he walks back to a hotel room with her bag.
Combs’ team did not immediately return USA TODAY’s request for comment on Friday.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Legacy
Combs is one of the most well-known American rappers, also gaining notoriety as a record producer and record executive. He started his career as an intern at Uptown Records, and in 1992, he founded Bad Boy Records. The company has sold over 500 million records, produced 38 platinum singles, and earned multiple Grammy Awards, according to the official website for Combs Global. Forbes reported in 2022 that the net value of his business ventures and properties amounts to an estimated $1 billion.
This decision by Howard University marks a significant moment, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to upholding its values and taking a stand against acts of interpersonal violence.
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