NEW YORK — Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his honorary Key to the City of New York following a request from Mayor Eric Adams. This decision comes in the wake of a video surfacing that shows Combs physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
Mayor Adams, who initially awarded Combs the key in a ceremony last September, sent letters to Combs’ offices in New York and California on June 4, asking for the key to be returned. The city received the key on June 10. In his letter, Adams expressed his deep disturbance over the video, stating, “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.”
The video, which was aired by CNN in May, shows Combs attacking Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura. The footage depicts Combs grabbing Cassie, throwing her to the ground, kicking her, and dragging her by her sweatshirt. Combs has since apologized for his actions, calling them “inexcusable.”
This incident is not an isolated one in Combs’ recent history. His career has been marred by multiple accusations of sexual abuse and a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation. These allegations have led to raids on his properties in Los Angeles and Miami. Since November, Combs has faced five lawsuits in New York, accusing him of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other criminal activities. Combs has denied all allegations, describing them as “sickening.”
Cassie filed a lawsuit against Combs last year, accusing him of rape and physical abuse throughout their relationship. The lawsuit was settled just a day after it was filed. Despite the settlement, the release of the video has intensified scrutiny on Combs, leading to significant repercussions.
In addition to returning the key, Combs has faced other consequences. Howard University rescinded an honorary degree awarded to him in 2014 and ended a scholarship program in his name. These actions reflect the growing backlash against Combs in light of the allegations and the video evidence.
Combs, a prominent figure in the hip-hop industry and founder of Bad Boy Records, has built a substantial business empire over the past three decades. However, his recent legal troubles and the public release of the assault video have cast a shadow over his achievements.
Mayor Adams’ decision to rescind the key was based on the recommendation of the Key to the City of New York committee. In his letter, Adams emphasized that the key is awarded to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. He stated that Combs’ actions were inconsistent with these values.
The mayor’s office confirmed that the key was returned on June 10, following the request made on June 4. This action underscores the city’s commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Combs’ representative has not yet responded to requests for comment. The music mogul’s apology video, released after the footage became public, acknowledged the inexcusable nature of his behavior. Despite his apology, the impact of the video and the subsequent legal actions have significantly affected his public image and career.
The return of the key marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga surrounding Combs. It highlights the broader societal shift towards accountability and support for survivors of abuse. As the legal proceedings continue, the repercussions for Combs are likely to unfold further.
In the meantime, the city of New York and its leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to justice and support for survivors. Mayor Adams’ actions reflect a broader effort to ensure that individuals who receive the city’s highest honors embody the values of respect, integrity, and service to the community.
