Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned the ceremonial Key to the City of New York following a request from Mayor Eric Adams. This decision comes in the wake of serious allegations and a disturbing video that surfaced, showing Combs assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016.
Mayor Adams, in a letter dated June 4, informed Combs of the city’s decision to revoke the key. The key is traditionally awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the public and the common good, serving as role models for New Yorkers. The letter emphasized that Combs’ actions were incompatible with these values.
Fabien Levy, the deputy mayor for communications, confirmed that the key had been returned. Mayor Adams expressed his condemnation of Combs’ actions and reiterated the city’s commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
The revocation of the key is the latest in a series of repercussions for Combs. Following the release of the surveillance video by CNN, Howard University also rescinded the honorary degree it had awarded Combs in 2014 and returned his $1 million donation. The university stated that Combs’ behavior was fundamentally incompatible with its core values.
Additionally, Hulu decided to pass on a reality show that would have featured Combs’ family. The fallout from the allegations and the video has significantly impacted Combs’ career and public image.
Combs received the key in September 2023 during a Times Square ceremony. At the time, Mayor Adams humorously referred to Combs as “the bad boy of entertainment” receiving the key from “the bad boy of politics.” However, the situation took a drastic turn when Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of rape and physical abuse over a decade. Although the lawsuit was quickly settled, it was the first of several legal actions against Combs, who is also reportedly under federal investigation for sex trafficking.
The leaked surveillance footage of Combs assaulting Cassie in a hotel was described by Mayor Adams as “deeply disturbing.” The Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Combs’ key, a recommendation that Mayor Adams accepted.
The mayor’s office confirmed that Combs returned the key on June 10. This action followed Howard University’s decision to revoke Combs’ honorary degree and end a scholarship program in his name. The university’s board of trustees made the unanimous decision after the release of the Cassie surveillance video.
Combs, a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry and founder of Bad Boy Records, has faced multiple accusations of sexual assault. Since November, he has been named in eight civil lawsuits, seven of which directly accuse him of sexual assault. One lawsuit also accuses his son, Christian Combs, of sexual assault, with Sean Combs allegedly aiding and abetting.
Combs has denied many of the allegations, describing them as “sickening” and accusing his accusers of seeking a quick payday. However, he has not responded to all the claims. Federal investigators are reportedly preparing to bring accusers before a federal grand jury, signaling a potential indictment.
The return of the key marks a significant moment in the ongoing fallout from the allegations against Combs. The music mogul, who once enjoyed immense success and influence, now faces a tarnished reputation and legal battles that could have far-reaching consequences.
As the situation continues to unfold, the impact on Combs’ career and legacy remains uncertain. The revocation of the key to New York City and the actions taken by Howard University and Hulu reflect a broader societal shift towards accountability and support for survivors of abuse.
