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 the music mogul attacking R&B singer Cassie Ventura. The mayor’s office confirmed that Combs returned the key after Adams sent letters to the musician’s offices in New York and California on June 4, rescinding the key and 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.” The mayor emphasized that the Key to the City of New York is awarded 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 Combs’ key, a recommendation Adams accepted.
The video, aired by CNN in May, shows Combs attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles in 2016. Combs has publicly apologized for the attack, calling his actions “inexcusable.” Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sued Combs last year, leading to increased scrutiny on the music mogul. The case was settled a day after it was filed.
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 fallout from the video has been significant. Howard University recently rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name. The university’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to revoke the honorary degree, stating that Combs’ behavior was fundamentally incompatible with the institution’s core values and beliefs.
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been a significant figure in the hip-hop industry for the past three decades, turning his musical success into a business empire. However, the recent allegations and the release of the video have severely impacted his reputation and career.
In a social media post, Combs apologized for his behavior, stating, “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. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
The mayor’s office confirmed that the key was returned to the city’s possession on June 10. Adams reiterated his commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, stating that the city has worked tirelessly to ensure survivors are heard and seen by the administration.
The video has also led to other institutions distancing themselves from Combs. Howard University not only rescinded his honorary degree but also returned a $1 million donation from Combs, disbanded the scholarship program in his name, and terminated a $1 million pledge agreement made in 2023 with the Sean Combs Foundation.
The impact of the video and the subsequent actions taken by various institutions highlight the serious consequences of Combs’ actions. The music mogul, once celebrated for his contributions to the industry, now faces significant backlash and a tarnished legacy.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Combs will navigate the fallout from these revelations. The return of the key to New York City marks a significant moment in the ongoing scrutiny of his actions and their impact on his career and public image.
