Howard University revokes Diddy’s honorary degree over allegations of assault

Howard University withdrawn Sean “Diddy” Combshonorary doctorate after allegations of sexual abuse.

“The Howard University Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to accept Mr. Sean Combs’ return of the honorary doctorate awarded to him in 2014,” the university said. statement read on Friday June 7. “This acceptance revokes all honors and privileges associated with the degree. Accordingly, the board has ordered that his name be removed from all documents listing Howard University’s honorary degree recipients.

The statement continued: “Mr. Combs’ conduct, as captured in a recently released video, is so fundamentally inconsistent with Howard University’s core values ​​and beliefs that he is no longer considered worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor. The university is steadfast in its opposition to all forms of interpersonal violence.”

The board ordered the university administration to terminate a 2016 endowment agreement with Diddy, 54, and dissolve the scholarship program in his name. The decision terminates their 2023 pledge agreement with his foundation and will “refund his $1 million contribution.”

However, the statement noted that “as of this date, no payments for the $1 million commitment are due or made by the Sean Combs Foundation, and therefore no funds are required to be repaid under the 2023 commitment agreement.”

The update comes as several companies distance themselves from the rapper as he faces allegations of sexual assault. In November 2023, Diddy’s ex Cassie (real name Casandra Ventura) filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of abuse and rape throughout their relationship. (The exes dated from 2007 to 2018).

Nearly six months later, CNN published 2016 security footage from the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, where Diddy assaulted his then-girlfriend, Cassie, now 37. In the video, Cassie was waiting at the elevator room and Diddy was seen. knocked her to the ground, kicked her and dragged her down the hall.

After Cassie’s initial filing, several victims filed their own claims against Diddy. In a bomb Rolling stone In the report published in May, three more women shared their alleged experiences.

“Mr. Combs cannot comment on completed litigation, will not comment on pending litigation and cannot comment on any allegation picked up by the press from any source, no matter how unreliable,” attorney said Jonathan Davis said to the socket. “We are aware that the competent authorities are conducting a thorough investigation and are therefore confident that all significant issues will be addressed in the appropriate forum, where the rules distinguish fact from fiction.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).