Sean "Diddy" Combs honorary degree by Howard University is stripped away over assault allegations

Howard University has taken decisive action by stripping Sean "Diddy" Combs of his honorary degree and terminating a 2016 gift agreement with the music mogul. This decision follows the release of a disturbing surveillance video in May, depicting Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, in a 2016 hotel incident.

The university's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept the return of the honorary degree bestowed upon Combs in 2014, revoking all associated honours and privileges. A university spokesperson stated that Combs' behaviour, as captured in the video, was fundamentally incompatible with Howard's core values and beliefs.

In addition to revoking his honorary degree, Howard University is ending its gift agreement with Combs and dissolving his namesake scholarship programme. The university will return the $1 million gifted by Combs and cancel a pledge agreement made with the Sean Combs Foundation last year.

Combs, who briefly studied business administration at Howard University before launching his music career, has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits in addition to the assault allegations highlighted in the video. He issued an apology on Instagram expressing disgust at his actions, while Ventura acknowledged the devastating impact of domestic violence on her life.