Photo Credit: Raymond Hall/GC Images )
In a stunning reversal, Sean "Diddy" Combs has been stripped of the ceremonial Key to the City that he received from New York City Mayor Eric Adams less than a year ago. The decision came after a city committee voted to rescind the honor following public backlash.
"I have nothing but love for New York, but this was clearly a mistake," Diddy stated after the key was requested to be returned. "I will give the key back out of respect for the city I love."
The hip-hop mogul was presented with the key by Adams in July 2022 to celebrate his massive influence as a native New Yorker and for his contributions to music and culture. At the time, Adams praised Diddy as a "king of culture" and "incredible ambassador for New York City."
However, criticism quickly mounted from local activists and community leaders who felt the key was undeserved and sent the wrong message. Nick Rizzo of New Yorkers Against Celebrity Worship spoke out, "This is an insult to all hardworking New Yorkers who don't have millions. Diddy hasn't done anything special to earn this honor."
According to an official statement from the City Clerk's office, the Key to the City "is supposed to be reserved for individuals of valor or renowned leadership and service." It stated the key presentation to Diddy "failed to meet the criteria and standards of the office."
A special committee was convened to review the key presentation, which included representatives from community boards, the City Council, and the Police Department. After meeting on May 18th, the committee voted 6-2 to request that Diddy return the key, citing a "lack of judgement" in the initial bestowing of the honor.
"It's embarrassing that they gave him this key in the first place," said committee member Alicia Keys, no relation to the singer. "Diddy is a successful businessman, sure, but him getting a key diminishes what it genuinely means to earn that honor through civic duty."
City Hall confirmed that official channels were opened to ask Diddy to voluntarily return the symbolic key, which he agreed to within days of the committee vote. As of Friday morning, the key had been returned to the City Clerk's office with no public ceremony.
Richard Bright was one of the two committee members who voted against rescinding the key. "This is a petty move that only makes us look small," Bright stated. "If we're going to take back his key, I have a long list of people I think are more offensive key recipients than Diddy."
The committee's decision has sparked heated public debate, with many defending Diddy's honor while others applaud the city pushing back against placing wealth and celebrity on too high a pedestal. The saga appears to be over, however, as the key has officially been returned to the city.
