The Board of Trustees of Howard University in Washington DC has decided to withdraw Sean “Diddy” Combs' honorary degree.
Sean “Diddy” Combs, left without an honorary degree PHOTO: X
The announcement comes after CNN released surveillance video of the hip-hop producer punching an ex-girlfriend in a hotel lobby, according to bbc.com.
The university stated: “His behavior, 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 of holding the institution's highest honor.”
The rapper apologized after the video was released last month for the attack on singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura.
“I was disgusted when I did. I was disgusted. I'm disgusted even now.”
Combs said in his statement.
“I went and sought professional help. I started going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I'm really sorry”.
Howard University awarded Combs his degree in 2014. It said in a statement that it will also end a scholarship in his name and terminate a “donation agreement” ended in 2016 with the rapper.
That deal was a $1 million donation he made through his foundation.
The university also said Combs' name will be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients.
“The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence,” it is shown in the statement.
Four women, including his ex-partner, Ventura, filed lawsuits against the musician, accusing him of sexual and physical abuse.
Cassandra Ventura's lawsuit was settled in November, and Combs has denied all allegations of sexual assault.
In a statement issued last December, Combs defended himself against what he described as “sick accusations” made by “people looking for a quick payday”.
“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the horrible things that are claimed,” he said, adding that he would fight to rehabilitate his name.
In March, federal agents raided two homes owned by the star “as part of an ongoing investigation” regarding sex trafficking.
His lawyer described the action as a “unprecedented ambush” and a “excessive use of force at the military level” and maintained his client's innocence.
