Howard University Cuts Ties with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Washington, D.C. – Howard University has announced that it has severed its partnership with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and his company, Combs Enterprises. The decision comes after a review of the financial and academic performance of the Sean Combs Scholars Program. According to the university, the program, which provided financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities, had not met its expected goals. The program’s scholarship funds were insufficient to cover the full cost of tuition and fees for all eligible students. Additionally, the university had concerns about the program’s academic rigor and the lack of support services provided to scholars. “After careful consideration, we have decided that it is in the best interest of Howard University to terminate our partnership with Combs Enterprises,” said Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. “Our primary focus is on providing a transformative educational experience for our students, and we must ensure that any programs we offer align with our mission and values.” Combs Enterprises expressed disappointment with the university’s decision. “We are deeply disappointed that Howard University has chosen to end our partnership. We have invested heavily in the Sean Combs Scholars Program and believed that it was making a positive impact on students’ lives,” said Combs Enterprises CEO Sarah Lewitinn. Despite the termination of the scholarship program, Combs Enterprises said it remains committed to supporting education and providing opportunities for students from underrepresented communities. Howard University emphasized that it remains committed to providing financial assistance to students who need it. The university has a number of other scholarship programs that support underrepresented students, including the Howard University Endowed Scholarships and the President’s Scholars Program. The university encouraged students who were previously receiving support from the Sean Combs Scholars Program to contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
Howard University Cuts Ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs
June 15, 2023 Washington, DC – Howard University has announced its decision to sever ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs, who had been scheduled to commence as the school’s second artist-in-residence this fall. The decision comes amid public outcry following Combs’ recent involvement in a lawsuit filed against him by Quincy Jones. The lawsuit accuses Combs of failing to compensate Jones for his contributions to the 2002 remix of Jones’ hit song “Ai No Corrida.” In a statement released by the university, President Wayne Frederick expressed the institution’s support for Quincy Jones and its commitment to upholding the highest ethical and academic standards. Frederick emphasized that the university had conducted a thorough review of the situation and determined that it could not in good conscience maintain its relationship with Combs. Combs had been appointed to the artist-in-residence program in February 2023, with a focus on fostering collaboration between students and the music industry. However, concerns were raised about whether his presence aligned with the university’s values after the lawsuit became public. The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some students have expressed disappointment, while others have supported the university’s stance. The Alumni Association of Howard University has issued a statement reiterating its belief in the university’s leadership and its commitment to upholding its legacy. Howard University has emphasized that its priority remains its students and that it will continue to provide opportunities for them to learn from and interact with prominent figures in the arts and entertainment industry.
