In September 2023, Diddy was honored with the Key to the City of New York by Mayor Eric Adams for his significant contributions to music, business, and philanthropy. The ceremony, celebrated with much fanfare, saw Adams, 63, lauding Diddy, 54, as “the bad boy of entertainment” receiving recognition from “the bad boy of politics.”
Diddy, a Harlem native, expressed his gratitude by saying, “I promise to keep giving to this city that made me. Thank you for recognizing my journey and my mission to uplift and empower. Let’s continue to make history together.”
However, this honor came under scrutiny in May 2024 after CNN publi
The controversy led to further actions when, on June 4, Adams sent a letter to one of Diddy’s companies, requesting the return of the key. This decision followed the recommendation of the committee responsible for bestowing the honor.
In the letter, Adams wrote, “The Key to the City of New York is presented to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement, and who act as a model for fellow and future New Yorkers. After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs’ key. I have accepted their recommendation.”
