Current:Home > FinanceBurley Garcia|Diddy's key to New York City rescinded after Cassie Ventura assault video -Excel Wealth Summit
Burley Garcia|Diddy's key to New York City rescinded after Cassie Ventura assault video
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-09 12:02:54
Sean "Diddy" Combs' key to New York City has officially been rescinded less than a year after it was issued.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams' office confirmed to USA TODAY on Burley GarciaSunday that the key bestowed upon Diddy in September has been revoked after surveillance footage surfaced that shows the embattled rapper assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway in 2016.
In a letter sent to Diddy dated June 4, Adams said he was "deeply disturbed" by the video footage and asked him to immediately return the key.
"I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence," the mayor wrote in the letter, which was shared with USA TODAY. "Our city has worked tirelessly to make sure survivors are heard and seen by our administration."
The key to New York City is described as "a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
But Adams said a committee recommended revoking the key from the music mogul, who since last year has faced multiple allegations of sexual assault.
According to Fabien Levy, deputy mayor for communications, Adams' office received the key back on June 10.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs' legal issues:A timeline of allegations and the rapper's life, career
Diddy, 54, was honored with the key to New York City in a ceremony held in Times Square on Sept. 15. "I'm a New York boy, and I just got to key to the city, and everything is just a little surreal right now," he said at the time.
While introducing Diddy, Adams said that "the bad boy of entertainment is getting the key to the city from the bad boy of politics."
Two months later, Ventura sued Diddy for alleged rape, abuse and sex trafficking, and the Bad Boy Records founder subsequently faced additional sexual abuse allegations. Ventura's suit was settled one day after being filed. Diddy's homes were later raided by law enforcement.
In May, surveillance video obtained by CNN showed Diddy assaulting Ventura at a hotel. After the footage's release, Diddy issued an apology without mentioning Ventura's name.
"My behavior on that video is inexcusable," he said. "I take full responsibility for my actions ... I'm disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, (and) I'm disgusted now."
Earlier this month, Howard University rescinded an honorary degree that was presented to Diddy in 2014.
“Mr. Combs' behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University's core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor," a Howard spokesperson said. "The university is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence."
Contributing: Minnah Arshad and Anika Reed, USA TODAY
veryGood! (95)
Related
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- 'Supernatural,' 'Doom Patrol' actor Mark Sheppard shares he had 'six massive heart attacks'
- 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 32 finale: Finalists, start time, how to watch
- Christmas shopping hangover no more: Build a holiday budget to avoid credit card debt
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Activists at COP28 summit ramp up pressure on cutting fossil fuels as talks turn to clean energy
- YouTuber who staged California airplane crash sentenced to 6 months in prison
- Coach Outlet’s Holiday Gift Guide Has the Perfect Gifts for Everyone on Your Nice List
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- COP28 climate conference president Sultan al-Jaber draws more fire over comments on fossil fuels
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Mackenzie Phillips Addresses Alleged 10-Year Incestuous Relationship With Her Dad John
- Virginia home explodes as police attempted to execute search warrant
- Tyler Goodson, Alabama man featured in 'S-Town' podcast, shot to death during police standoff
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Niger’s junta revokes key security agreements with EU and turns to Russia for defense partnership
- NHL Stanley Cup playoff bracket: League standings, potential first-round matchups
- Former U.S. ambassador Manuel Rocha arrested, accused of serving as agent of Cuba, sources say
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Biden is spending most of the week raising money at events with James Taylor and Steven Spielberg
Former U.S. ambassador Manuel Rocha arrested, accused of serving as agent of Cuba, sources say
Prosecutors push back against Hunter Biden’s move to subpoena Trump documents in gun case
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Live updates | Israel pushes deeper south after calling for evacuations in southern Gaza
Hungary’s Orban demands Ukraine’s EU membership be taken off the agenda at a bloc summit
From 'The Bear' to 'Jury Duty', here's a ranking of 2023's best TV shows