Mayor Eric Adams asked Combs to return his key this month following surfaced 2016 surveillance footage of the mogul physically assaulting his ex, singer Cassie
Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned his key to New York City after a request from Mayor Eric Adams
The music mogul received his key from the mayor in September 2023 as recognition for “his contributions to music, business and philanthropy”
The mayor’s decision follows more assault allegations that were made against Combs in May
Sean “Diddy” Combs no longer has a key to New York City at the request of Mayor Eric Adams.
Per a letter shared with CNN, the mayor, 63, noted that he was “deeply disturbed” by the 2016 surveillance footage of Combs, 54, assaulting his ex, singer Cassie, that surfaced in early May. As a result, a committee recommended that the music mogul’s key be nullified and rescinded.
“I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” Adams’ letter reads. “After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs’ key.”
CNN noted that, per City Hall, Combs’ key was returned to N.Y.C. on Monday, June 10.
Reps from the mayor’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Combs received his key to N.Y.C. from Adams in September 2023 during a Times Square ceremony. The mayor presented the honor — 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,” per a press release — on the day of the producer’s The Love Album – Off the Grid project to recognize “his contributions to music, business and philanthropy.”
“The bad boy of entertainment is getting the key to the city from the bad boy of politics!” the mayor said at the time, according to the Associated Press.
In a statement, Combs said, “Receiving the key to the city of New York, the very city that molded me, is an honor and incredible moment in my life … To Mayor Adams and the city of New York: I promise to keep giving to this city that made me. Thank you for recognizing my journey and my mission to uplift and empower. Let’s continue to make history together.”
Combs also said, “I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry, but I’m committed to be a better man. Each and every day.”
The Bad Boy Records founder concluded his statement by stating that he is “not asking for forgiveness” and repeated that he is “truly sorry.”
