Celebs

Give It Back! Howard University Revokes Diddy’s Honorary Degree

Howard University recently revoked Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ honorary degree.

The NBC News stated the university made the announcement on June 7.

RELATED: Explained: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs & The Unsettled Sexual Assault Lawsuits Against Him

Diddy’s Honorary Degree Is Revoked

Combs enrolled at Howard in 1987 and left in 1989, per Variety. Howard’s Board gave Sean an honorary degree in 2014. However, they unanimously decided to revoke it. The institution’s decision followed a 2016 hotel video of Diddy going viral. The tape showed him abusing his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.

The board released a statement that read, “Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs…”

The university believes that “he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.” Furthermore, Howard is “unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”

Additionally, the school revealed they’d terminate Sean’s 2016 gift agreement. This was made in tandem with a $1 million contribution, per CNN. Additionally, the school plans to disband his scholarship and end a 2023 pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation that pledged an additional $1 million.

Howard reportedly returned Diddy’s initial $1 million contribution. However, the music mogul allegedly hadn’t made any contributions in connection to his pledge.

Social Media Reacts To Howard’s Decision

Roomies under The Shade Room’s post shared their thoughts about Howard’s decision.

@delvay wrote, “Naw let them students use that man money that’s the least we can do!!”

“D*** you know it’s bad when they stop taking your money,” @ikissedthesky stated
“He single handedly ruined his own legacy,” @sossiofficial.
A commenter, who is seemingly an HU student, encouraged critics to create scholarships.
@lastbisonstanding said, “DIDDY was not our scholarship savior. None of the Howard Celebrities are. If you’re outraged about the university canceling it START ONE…. 100,000 is the minimum.”
“The 1 million dollar gift could have been redirected towards DV and SA programs on campus. Giving it back to him isn’t punishment,” @thecoreyshow said.
Carmen Jones