Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his key to New York City following a request from Mayor Eric Adams. This action comes in response to the release of a video showing Combs attacking R&B singer Cassie Ventura. The mayor’s office confirmed that Combs returned the key after Adams sent letters to his offices in New York and California on June 4, asking for its return. The city received the key on June 10.
In his letter, Adams expressed his deep disturbance over the attack, stating, “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.” Combs’ career has been marred by numerous accusations of sexual abuse and a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation, which led to raids on his mansions in Los Angeles and Miami.
The controversy intensified in May when CNN aired security footage from 2016, showing Combs attacking Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Combs has since apologized, calling his actions “inexcusable.” Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sued Combs last year, leading to increased scrutiny. The case was settled a day after it was filed.
Adams had awarded Combs the key to the city at a ceremony last year, coinciding with the release of a new album. However, following the video’s release, Howard University rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name.
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, having turned his musical success into a business empire. Despite his influence, the recent allegations and video have cast a long shadow over his career.
In a video posted on Instagram, Combs apologized for the 2016 incident, saying, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that. I was f—ed up. I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.” He added that he sought professional help, including therapy and rehab, and asked for God’s mercy and grace.
Cassie’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, criticized Combs’ apology, stating, “Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday.” She added, “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”
The video, released by CNN, shows Combs kicking, dragging, stomping, and throwing items at Cassie. Despite the video’s viral nature, the LA District Attorney’s Office stated it couldn’t prosecute Combs due to the statute of limitations. Combs’ apology video on Instagram reiterated his “inexcusable behavior” and his regret over the incident.
Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, alleging rape and physical abuse over a decade. The lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed. Following this, model Crystal McKinney filed a separate lawsuit accusing Combs of drugging her and forcing her to perform oral sex on him during a 2003 visit to his NYC studio.
Mayor Eric Adams and the city’s committee are considering rescinding Combs’ key to the city after the video’s release. Adams expressed his disturbance over the footage, stating, “I think all of us were deeply disturbed by watching that chilling video of the young lady being assaulted by him.” The committee is now deliberating on the next steps.
Adams had presented Combs with the key to New York City in September 2023 for his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy. The ceremony coincided with the release of Combs’ album, “The Love Album – Off the Grid.” During the ceremony, Combs expressed his gratitude and commitment to giving back to the city.
Before the video’s release, Cassie had filed a 35-page civil lawsuit in November, alleging rape and sex trafficking over a 10-year period. She stated, “After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.” The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.
Since then, Combs has faced several other sexual assault lawsuits and allegations of violence. The most recent came from “The Love Album” producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who alleged that Combs sexually harassed, drugged, and threatened him while working on the 2023 project. Combs has denied all sexual abuse accusations but apologized for the violent video.
In March, federal agents raided Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an ongoing investigation. The investigation has not yet resulted in any criminal charges. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated they are “unable” to charge Combs for the 2016 hotel attack on Cassie due to the statute of limitations.
The fallout from the video continues to impact Combs’ career and reputation. The mayor’s office and the city’s committee are now considering the unprecedented step of rescinding the key to the city, a decision that underscores the gravity of the allegations and the public’s reaction to the disturbing footage.
