NEW YORK — Sean “ Diddy ” Combs has returned his key to New York City after a request from Mayor Eric Adams in response to the release of a video showing the music mogul attacking R&B singer Cassie, officials said Saturday.
The mayor’s office said Combs returned the key after Adams sent letters to the embattled musician’s offices in New York and California on June 4 rescinding the key and asking for it to be sent back to City Hall. The city received the key June 10.
In his letter, Adams wrote he was “deeply disturbed” by the attack, adding “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.”
Combs’ career has been derailed by numerous accusations of sexual abuse, as well as a federal criminal sex-trafficking investigation that led to raids of Combs’ mansions in Los Angeles and Miami.
In May, CNN aired security video of Combs attacking Cassie in a hotel hallway in Los Angeles in 2016. Combs has said he is “truly sorry” for the attack on Cassie and called his actions “inexcusable.” Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, sued Combs last year, setting off a wave of increased scrutiny on Combs. That case was settled a day after it was filed.
Adams awarded Combs with the key at a ceremony last year that coincided with the release of a new album.
Howard University this month rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship program in his name following the release of the video involving Cassie.
Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records, is one of the most influential hip-hop producers and executives in the last three decades, turning musical success into a business empire.
An email sent to a representative listed online for Combs was not immediately returned.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the renowned music mogul and entrepreneur, recently made headlines when he returned the key to New York City that was presented to him in honor of his contributions to the city. This decision came in the wake of a controversial video involving singer Cassie, who is Diddy’s ex-girlfriend.
The video in question showed Diddy and Cassie engaged in a heated argument, with Diddy appearing to be physically aggressive towards her. The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage and condemnation from fans and the public alike. Many criticized Diddy for his behavior and called for him to be held accountable for his actions.
In response to the backlash, Diddy took to social media to issue a public apology to Cassie and to announce that he would be returning the key to New York City that was given to him as a symbol of his contributions to the city. In his statement, Diddy expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged that he had made a mistake.
Diddy’s decision to return the key to New York City was met with mixed reactions. Some praised him for taking responsibility for his actions and showing remorse, while others criticized him for his behavior in the first place. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that Diddy’s actions have sparked an important conversation about domestic violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their behavior.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Diddy has been involved in controversy. In the past, he has faced criticism for his treatment of women and for his behavior in public settings. However, Diddy has also been praised for his philanthropic efforts and for his contributions to the music industry.
As we move forward from this incident, it is important to remember that no one is perfect and that everyone makes mistakes. It is crucial that we hold individuals accountable for their actions, but also give them the opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes. Hopefully, Diddy’s decision to return the key to New York City will serve as a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, and of the need to address issues of domestic violence in our society.
