Howard University revokes Sean Combs' honorary degree following sexual assault allegations – PhilSTAR Life

Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of assault and violence.

Howard University in Washington, DC, has revoked the honorary degree conferred on Sean “Diddy” Combs because the rap mogul is “no longer worthy of holding the highest distinction of the institution”.

It also discontinued a scholarship program, returned a $1 million (P58,765,500) donation and terminated a separate 2023 pledge agreement from Combs.

The decision came after a video surfaced in which the rapper was seen violently attacking singer Cassie Ventura in the hallway of a Los Angeles hotel in 2016.

“The Howard University Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree conferred on him in 2014. This acceptance revokes all honors and privileges associated with this diploma”, declared the statement began.

As a result, the Board ordered that his name be removed from all documents listing the university's honorary degree recipients because the singer's behavior is “fundamentally inconsistent” with the university's core values. Therefore, he is deemed “no longer worthy” to hold the institution's highest honor.

“The University is unwavering in its opposition to any acts of interpersonal violence,” the statement said.

With these, the university's board of trustees wanted to immediately terminate the 2016 gift agreement with Combs, dissolve the scholarship program in his name, return his contribution of $1 million ($58,765 500 P) and terminate a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation, which, as per the Council, has not donated any money.

“No payments under the $1 million commitment have been due or made by the Sean Combs Foundation to date, so no funds are to be returned under the 2023 commitment agreement .”

According to a report from Fox 5 DCthe hip-hop star donated $1 million, or more than P58 million, to the university to establish a scholarship for undergraduate business students in need of financial assistance.

The fellowship includes internships and mentorship opportunities for its business and entertainment conglomerate.

“The University Board of Trustees and administration have no further comment to make on this matter,” the statement concluded.

“My behavior in this video is inexcusable”

On May 19, Combs job issued a public apology on his Instagram account to Ventura and the rest of his fans, saying his behavior was inexcusable and that he would take full responsibility for his actions in this video.

“I was disgusted at the time when I did it. I'm disgusted now,” he said.

“I went there and sought professional help. I went to therapy, rehab. I had to ask God for mercy and grace. I'm so sorry. But I am committed to being a better man each and every day I am not asking for forgiveness, I am truly sorry,” the singer continued.

In 2016, surveillance cameras at a hotel in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles, which was obtained exclusively by CNN, showed a clip in which the music producer and businessman appeared to punch, kick and drag his then-girlfriend, Ventura. Their relationship lasted on and off until 2018.

According to The GuardianCombs paid an “undisclosed sum to settle Ventura’s lawsuit” a day after Ventura filed him.