Howard University Revokes Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Honorary Degree Following Release of Cassie Assault Video

Howard University’s board of trustees unanimously voted to revoke Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in 2014, following the release of a 2016 video showing Combs attacking his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.

Statement from the Board

“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. The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”

Details of the Incident

The disturbing video, which surfaced last month, depicts Combs running out of a hotel room in a towel and chasing Ventura toward the elevator. He is seen grabbing her by the neck, throwing her to the floor, kicking, shoving, and dragging her by her sweatshirt. Later, he returns to kick her again and throws an object from a nearby table at her.

Additional Actions by Howard University

• Terminated a 2016 gift agreement with Combs, disbanding the scholarship established in his name.
• Returned his $1 million contribution.
• Canceled a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation (no payments had been made, so no funds needed to be returned).

Background and Legal Context

Combs attended Howard University from 1987 to 1989. Following the video’s release, he issued an apology via Instagram, stating, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was fucked up — I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”

Combs and Ventura were romantically involved for over a decade. Last November, Ventura accused him of repeated rape and physical abuse throughout their relationship. The lawsuit, which also implicated Combs’ label, Bad Boy Records, and Sony Music, alleged that Ventura was “trapped by Mr. Combs in a cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.” Though the case was settled shortly after filing, Combs faces multiple new lawsuits this year, accusing him of rape, sexual assault, and sex trafficking, which he denies. In March, his homes in Miami and Los Angeles were raided by Homeland Security.