Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his key to New York City following a request from Mayor Eric Adams. This decision comes in the wake of a video surfacing that shows the music mogul attacking R&B singer Cassie. 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, rescinding the key and asking for its return to City Hall. The city received the key on June 10.
In his letter, Mayor 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.
In May, CNN aired security footage from 2016 showing Combs attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles. Combs has since apologized, calling his actions “inexcusable” and expressing that he is “truly sorry” for the attack. Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sued Combs last year, which brought increased scrutiny on him. The case was settled a day after it was filed.
Mayor 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 However, following the release of the video involving Cassie, Howard University rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name.
Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives over the past three decades, transforming his musical success into a business empire. Despite his achievements, the recent controversies have cast a shadow over his career.
An email sent to a representative listed online for Combs was not immediately returned. The situation has sparked widespread discussion and condemnation, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic and gender-based violence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
