News | Entertainment
17 Jan 2026 9:26
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Sean 'Diddy' Combs has returned his key to New York City

    The 'I'll Be Missing You' hitmaker - who grew up in Harlem - was honoured with the "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" in September 2023 but he was asked to return the accolade after Mayor Eric Adams said a committee recommended "nullifying and rescinding" it in the wake of video footage from 2016 being released, in which the disgraced rapper physically assaulted then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura


    A letter seen by CNN saw the mayor dec lare he was "deeply disturbed" by the video.

    He wrote: "I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

    The letter adds: "After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs' key."

    According to city hall, the key was returned to the city on June 10.

    The move came shortly after the rapper had his honorary degree from Howard University revoked.

    A statement from the board read: "The Howard University Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree conferred upon him in 2014. This acceptance revokes all honours and privileges associated with the degree. Accordingly, the Board has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients of Howard University.

    "Mr. Combs' behaviour 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.

    "The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence."

    In addition, the establishment - which Diddy attended from 1987 to 1989 - will also terminate a 2016 gift agreement made with the 54-year-old rapper, disband a scholarship that was established in his name, return his $1 million contribution, and terminate a 2023 pledge agreement made with the Sean Combs Foundation.

    It noted: "No payments toward the $1 million pledge have been due or made by the Sean Combs Foundation as of this date, therefore no funds are due to be returned under the 2023 pledge agreement."

    After CNN published the video of Diddy attacking Cassie, he issued an apology for his "inexcusable" conduct via Instagram.

    He said: "It's so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that.

    "I was f***** up - I hit rock bottom - but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable."

    Diddy has been subjected to multiple lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct in recent months but has denied the allegations against him.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     17 Jan: Jackson Browne's son Ethan Browne died due to the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine
     17 Jan: Nikki Glaser cut a joke about Brad Pitt from her Golden Globes performance
     17 Jan: Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance"
     17 Jan: Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him
     17 Jan: Gisele Bundchen is looking forward to "love, health, peace, and new adventures" in 2026
     17 Jan: Jessie Cave plans to get a boob job with the money she's earned on OnlyFans
     17 Jan: Teyana Taylor has likened divorce to "grieving the death of a living being"
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    After Scott Robertson, the All Blacks face a deeper question than who coaches next More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Kiwis are feeling the pinch more at the checkout - than they are at the pump More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Jackson Browne's son Ethan Browne died due to the effects of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and lidocaine 9:23

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC coach Steve Corica has been left somewhat dissatisfied by the referee's explanation over a penalty decision against his side in a 2-1 A-League defeat to Melbourne City 9:16

    Rugby League:
    Nelson Asofa-Solomona has made an explosive professional boxing debut against ex-rugby league journeyman Jeremy Latimore 9:06

    Entertainment:
    Nikki Glaser cut a joke about Brad Pitt from her Golden Globes performance 8:53

    Entertainment:
    Matthew McConaughey believes a successful marriage requires "maintenance" 8:23

    Cricket:
    Steve Smith and former Australian teammate David Warner have traded centuries in the Australian Big Bash, but it's Smith's Sixers who have taken a five wicket win in the Sydney derby 8:16

    Soccer:
    League leaders Auckland FC have dropped points for the first time after scoring the opening goal in an A-League match 8:06

    Entertainment:
    Michael B. Jordan's mother has grown "used" to women lusting after him 7:53

    Environment:
    A number of black - do not swim - flags have been issued for Auckland beaches 7:47

    Cricket:
    The Central Stags have beaten the visiting Auckland Aces by 10 runs in the T20 Super Smash in Napier 7:46


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd