Sean Combs (Diddy) hands back New York City's symbolic key in compliance with the mayor's wish.
Puffs was asked to hand back the key after fresh footage, obtained by CNN, showed him brutally attacking his ex-partner Cassie Ventura in 2016, as per a June 4 letter sent by Adams.
In the letter, obtained by CNN for review, Adams expressed severe disgust over the footage.
“I firmly condemn these actions and stand in alliance with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence,” the letter declares.
The letter further states: “Following internal discussions, the Key to the City of New York committee suggested revoking and annulling Mr. Puffs’ key.”
Puffs previously expressed remorse for his actions seen in the footage.
Puffs, a native of Harlem, received the key in September 2023.
The award is a “symbol of civic recognition and appreciation reserved for individuals whose contributions to the public and common good reach exceptional levels,” as stated in a press release at the time.
The key was returned to the city on June 10, according to City Hall.
CNN attempted to reach out to representatives for Puffs for comment.
Since November, Puffs has been named in eight civil lawsuits – seven directly charging him with sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Ventura, has been resolved. Another lawsuit accuses his son Christian Puffs of sexual assault, and Puffs is accused of aiding and abetting.
Puffs has firmly denied accusations from many of the civil suits but has not addressed all allegations. In December 2023, following four lawsuits being filed against him, Puffs released a passionate denial on his social media, asserting that "vile accusations" had been made by accusers "chasing a fast payday."
He added, "Let me be crystal clear: I did not commit any of the heinous acts being alleged."
Federal investigators are also readying to present accusers of Puffs before a federal grand jury, two sources familiar with the inquiry tell CNN – indicating that the US Justice Department is moving closer to potentially indicting Puffs.
Bringing individuals who have filed civil lawsuits against Puffs before a grand jury would represent a notable escalation in the government’s ongoing investigation involving the producer and Bad Boy Records founder.
CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister, Josh Campbell, Megan Thomas, and Elizabeth Joseph contributed to this report.
Read also:
Despite losing the symbolic Key to New York City, Puffs continues to seek entertainment opportunities, planning a comeback tour in the music industry. Following the controversy, entertainment companies have shown mixed responses, with some opting to collaborate while others remain cautious.
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