Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs returns key to New York City following mayor's request

Hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs has returned the key to New York City, following a request from Mayor Eric Adams. Combs had received the key in a Times Square ceremony in September 2023, coinciding with the release of his album "The Love Album: Off The Grid."

At the time, Mayor Adams remarked, "The bad boy of entertainment is getting the Key to the City from the bad boy of politics."

Since receiving the key, Combs has faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault and abuse from several women, as well as an accusation of sexual misconduct from a man. In May 2024, surveillance video from a 2016 incident emerged, appearing to show Combs attacking singer Cassie, his then-girlfriend, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Following the video's release, Combs issued an apology on social media, stating, "My behavior on that video is inexcusable."

As reported by CBS news on June 4, Mayor Adams addressed one of Combs' companies in a letter, expressing his concerns. "I was deeply disturbed by the surveillance video," Adams wrote, requesting the return of the key. He further explained, "The Key to the City of New York is presented to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement, and who act as a model for fellow and future New Yorkers. After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs' key. I have accepted their recommendation."

Mayor Adams requested that Combs send the key to City Hall immediately. According to the mayor's office, the key was received on Monday.

In addition to returning the key, Combs has faced repercussions from other institutions. Earlier this month, Howard University rescinded an honorary degree awarded to him in 2014 and severed financial ties with him.