"Crazy that he received it in the first place" - Internet reacts as Diddy returns honorary Key to New York City post-Cassie attack video release

Sean “Diddy” Combs reportedly returned the Key to New York City on June 10 as per Mayor Eric Adams’ request. Adams honored the musician with the Key in September 2023, the same month Combs’ The Love Album: Off The Grid was released.

However, following the release of 2016 surveillance footage in May 2024, where Combs was seen attacking former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in an L.A. hotel hallway, the mayor’s office sent him letters asking for the key to be returned to City Hall.

As news broke out on June 15 that Combs had handed in the key earlier this week, netizens shared their thoughts. Instagram user @kiwiknailz commented on a post by @lovelyti__ and exclaimed at the fact that Combs received the honor in the first place.

Internet reacts to Combs returning the Key to New York City at Mayor Eric Adams' request. (Image via Instagram/@lovelyti__)

Others also reacted:

"time to remove Diddy voice from all of Biggies Catalog", by @ElCristero1926 via X/@ArtOfDialogue_

"But gave it to him when Cassie filed the lawsuit", by @oneNtwos via X/@ArtOfDialogue_

"wow being stripped of the key to the city is a new low for diddy.. it’s not looking good bruv", by @flowzki via X/@ArtOfDialogue_

"Talk about a wake-up call", by @1053SS via X/@ArtOfDialogue_

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Mayor Eric Adams says he was "deeply disturbed" by Diddy's actions in leaked video

When NYC Mayor Eric Adams handed over the honorary key to the city to Combs last year, he said:

“The bad boy of entertainment is getting the Key to the City from the bad boy of politics.”

However, after reports of Diddy returning the key surfaced online, NYC’s Deputy Mayor for Communications, Fabien Levy, confirmed to XXL that the letters were sent from Eric Adams’ office on June 4. One was sent to Combs Enterprises LLC in New York, while the other letter was sent to Combs’ Los Angeles office. In the letters, Mayor Adams expressed:

“Like many people, I was deeply disturbed by recent video footage of Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his then partner.”

Mayor Eric Adams continued:

"I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Our city has worked tirelessly to make sure survivors are heard and seen by our administration."

He explained that the Key to New York City is bestowed upon individuals whose public service and general humanitarian work attain “the highest level achievement” and who inspire fellow citizens or future New Yorkers. The mayor shared:

"After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs’ key."

He added:

"I have accepted their recommendation and am requesting that Mr. Combs immediately return his Key to the City."

Eric Adams noted that the city record would be updated to reflect the same.

Earlier this month, Howard University in Washington, D.C., also revoked an honorary degree awarded to Diddy in 2014. The institution terminated a scholarship program in Combs' name and announced no further donations would be accepted from his foundation.