Howard University is severing ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, revoking the honorary degree awarded to him and disbanding the scholarship program that bears his name. following the recently released 2016 video it appeared to show him attacking R&B singer Cassie.
“Mr. Combs’ conduct, captured in the newly released video, is so fundamentally inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of Howard University that he is no longer considered worthy to bear that institution’s highest honor,” the university’s Board of Trustees said in a statement.
The board voted unanimously Friday to return the honorary degree Combs received in 2014, the statement said. “This recognition removes all honors and privileges associated with this degree. Accordingly, the Board has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients from Howard University,” the statement said.
The board also directed the university administration to sever financial ties with Combs, including returning the $1 million fee, ending the scholarship program and terminating the 2023 bond agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation.
The Associated Press emailed Combs’ spokesman Saturday seeking comment.
Combs was admitted to the hospital last month that he beat his ex-girlfriend Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN published video of the attack. In a video message posted on social media, he said he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “unforgivable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in this video. I was disgusted when I did it. Now I feel disgusted,” Combs said.
The lawsuit filed last year by Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, caused waves similar cases and public accusations v. Combs. This lawsuit was settled.