Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that his administration is considering revoking Sean “Diddy” Combs’ key to the city following the release of disturbing footage showing the rapper assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Adams expressed deep concern over the video, stating, “I think all of us were deeply disturbed by watching that chilling video of the young lady being assaulted by him.” He mentioned that while the city has never rescinded a key before, they are now evaluating the appropriate next steps.
Diddy, 54, issued an apology on Instagram, admitting his behavior in the 2016 video was “inexcusable.” In the video, Diddy confessed, “I was f–ked up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video — disgusting. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went out and sought professional help. I got into going to therapy, had to go into rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry.” Despite this, Bonds, Diddy’s former head of security, criticized the apology for not specifically addressing Cassie by name and for seeming insincere.
The footage, released by CNN, shows Diddy chasing and hitting Ventura inside a Los Angeles hotel. This incident adds to Diddy’s current legal troubles, which include multiple allegations of sexual assault, rape, gang rape, sex trafficking, and drugging. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office stated it cannot prosecute Diddy for the 2016 assault on Cassie due to the statute of limitations expiring.
Mayor Adams, who awarded Diddy the key to the city last year for his contributions to supporting Black entrepreneurs, described Diddy as the “embodiment of the New York City attitude” at the time. The key symbolizes the city’s wish for the recipient to feel free to come and go at will. Adams emphasized that his administration is thoroughly analyzing the situation before making a final decision.
City Councilwoman Jennifer Gutiérrez urged for the key to be taken back, stating, “Take that key back. These are ceremoniously given out to folks who have made contributions, and while I understand Diddy is getting help, which is good, and acknowledged his actions, he doesn’t need the key to work through his accountability.”
