Following the release of a video showing Diddy’s 2016 assault on his then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel, Howard University has taken significant steps to distance itself from the rapper. On Friday, the university’s Board of Trustees announced that they are rescinding Diddy’s honorary degree, which he received in 2014. The decision reflects Howard University’s stance that Diddy’s actions are fundamentally incompatible with its core values and beliefs, rendering him unworthy of the institution’s highest honor.
In addition to revoking the honorary degree, Howard University is removing Diddy’s name from any records listing him as a recipient of honorary degrees. The university is also terminating a scholarship program named after him, returning a $1 million donation he made, and severing a 2023 pledge agreement with his foundation.
The video of the 2016 incident, which surfaced last month, shows Diddy severely beating Cassie in a hotel hallway. Although the footage was previously unseen, it was detailed in Cassie’s lawsuit against him. In response to the video’s release, Diddy has expressed regret for his actions.
Howard University’s actions represent a broader fallout for Diddy as he faces significant public and institutional backlash in light of the resurfaced assault video.