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New York City revokes Diddy’s ceremonial key

PUBLISHED May 15, 2026, 10:26 AM ET

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New York City revokes Diddy’s ceremonial key

New York, United States – New York City Mayor Eric Adams has formally revoked the Key to the City from music executive Sean “Diddy” Combs, following the public release of a 2016 surveillance video that shows Combs physically assaulting his former partner, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel hallway. Adams initiated the process by sending official letters to Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami, explicitly citing the violent footage as the reason for the decision and stressing that the administration strongly condemns domestic violence. The mayor’s office said Combs’ conduct rendered him unfit to continue holding what is considered the city’s highest civic honor, which he had received in a Times Square ceremony in September 2023 tied to the release of his project “The Love Album: Off the Grid.” New York, United States – Under the city’s administrative procedures, Combs was ordered to return the ceremonial key to City Hall within 14 days, and his legal representatives have confirmed that the physical key has now been sent back to the mayor’s office by courier. City officials noted that this marks the first time in modern New York City history that an entertainment figure has been formally stripped of the Key to the City after it was awarded. The move aligns with a broader wave of institutional responses to the allegations surrounding Combs, including Howard University’s unanimous decision to revoke his honorary doctorate, dismantle a $1 million scholarship program in his name, and return donations linked to his foundation. Combs’ legal and public relations teams have not issued further public comment on the revocation.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

  • 2016 Surveillance video shows hallway assault
  • September 2023 Combs receives Times Square key
  • June 2024 Video of assault becomes public
  • Recently Federal sex trafficking probes intensify
  • Recently Howard University revokes honorary doctorate
  • Recently Scholarship program in Combs’ name dismantled
  • Recently Mayor Adams sends revocation letters
  • Today Returned ceremonial key reaches City Hall

News Intelligence

  • This case shows how institutions are taking a stand against domestic violence. It's a reminder that no one, not even celebrities, should be above the law. If you're concerned about domestic violence, consider supporting local organizations that help victims.

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