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By Erin Keller
Reporter (Live News)
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams defended his decision to present Sean "Diddy" Combs with the key to the city—a move that has since been reversed following federal sex trafficking charges against the disgraced music mogul.
Newsweek contacted representatives for Combs by email on Thursday.
Why It Matters
Combs, 55, heads to trial in May for his sex trafficking case. The Harlem native is also the subject of at least 30 civil lawsuits accusing him of sex crimes, allegedly dating back to the early 2000s. Combs denies all wrongdoing.
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Meanwhile, Adams, 64, is under indictment on federal corruption charges. In September, investigations into his administration led to his indictment on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. Adams pleaded not guilty and claims the charges are a form of retaliation for his opposition to the Biden-Harris administration's approach to the migrant crisis.
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What To Know
In an episode of Stephen A. Smith's YouTube show on Wednesday, Adams reflected on how he and a committee of people decided the "Bad Boy for Life" rapper should be awarded the key to the city in September 2023.
"Look, you can't live life by what's in the front window. You go based on what people have done," Adams said.
The mayor continued, "There's a whole paneling committee, and what we did, we broke it up into entertainers, as well as those who contribute to the city, and people looked at his contribution, what he has done, and others that we honored, and we knew that we should give him that award."
However, after CNN published surveillance footage of Combs attacking his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a hotel in 2016, Adams publicly asked him to return the key.
The revocation of the honor, Adams added, was not his decision, but that of the committee. He said Combs' team had been "cool" with the reversal.
Adams also expressed sympathy for Combs, who has been jailed in Brooklyn since his arrest in September.
"Listen, my heart goes out to him as he goes through his legal struggles," Adams said when asked about Combs' situation.
When Smith followed up by asking if his sentiments extended to a presumption of innocence, Adams replied, "Exactly."
"There by the grace of God goes I. We're all going through something, so my heart goes out to him," Adams said.
What People Are Saying
Combs' legal team in a statement to Newsweek about the documentaries being made about his legal issues: "These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context. By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations."
"... As we've said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction."
What's Next
Combs is set to appear in federal court in May. Meanwhile, Adams continues to navigate his own legal troubles, with critics scrutinizing his judgment and leadership.
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