Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs returns New York honour after mayor condemns attack video

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.

The mayor’s office said Combs returned the key after Mr Adams sent letters to the 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 on June 10.

In his letter, Mr 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.”

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 of Combs. That case was settled a day after it was filed.

Mr Adams awarded Combs 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Howard University this month rescinded an honorary degree awarded to Combs and ended a scholarship programme in his name following the release of the video involving Cassie.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.