Honorary Degrees

Celebrities Who’ve Had Honorary Degrees Revoked

by

Revoking celebrities’ honorary degrees might be rare, but it is not unheard of. Sean “Diddy” Combs was awarded an honorary degree by Howard University at the school’s 2014 commencement ceremony. This was to celebrate his career achievements and contributions to the arts. However, it comes as no surprise that this honor was revoked recently in June 2024.

After a video surfaced showing Combs violently abusing his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016, his already depleting fame took an even bigger nosedive. Howard University also announced it would be cutting all ties with Diddy and might be returning his $1 million donation to the school. Diddy isn’t the only one to suffer this disgrace though. Here are five other notable names who have had their honorary degrees rescinded by a University. 

Read More: 7 Rappers Who Have Received Honorary Degrees

Bill O’Reilly 

Bill O’Reilly, a former television host and political commentator, gained popularity with his show The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News. He subsequently became one of the most prominent figures in cable news. O’Reilly was recognized for his conservative commentary until his career at Fox News ended in 2017. This came amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has repeatedly denied.

Regardless, in response to these allegations, Marist College in New York, where O’Reilly had earned his Bachelor of Arts history degree in 1971, revoked the honorary degree it had awarded him. The college’s Board of Trustees cited the sexual harassment allegations and his reported settlements as being deeply contrary to the values of Marist College. This decision to revoke the degree was announced by the university on February 6, 2018. O’Reilly would later accuse the school of being corrupted by left-wing leadership on his No Spin News show in 2023. Nonetheless, the damage was already done. 

Charlie Rose

TV personality Charlie Rose was known for his eponymous interview show Charlie Rose on PBS and Bloomberg. He also gained fame for his role as co-anchor on CBS This Morning. He maintained his journalism career for over four decades, and he was respected for his in-depth interviews with influential figures across various fields.

However, Rose’s reputation was tarnished when The Washington Post reported in November 2017 that eight women accused him of making unwanted sexual advances, including lewd comments and inappropriate behavior. Following these allegations, Sewanee: The University of the South revoked the honorary degree it had awarded to Rose when he delivered the university’s commencement address in spring 2016. This action, taken in March 2018, marked the first time Sewanee had rescinded an honorary degree. Additionally, SUNY Oswego started the process to rescind the honorary doctor of humane letters degree it awarded to Rose in 2014, after the allegations surfaced and he was fired by CBS. 

Kanye West 

Ye had his honorary degree revoked by The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). This marked the first time the institution would make such a move in over eight years. The degree was originally awarded to him in 2015, in recognition of his artistic achievements. However, following a series of controversial remarks made by Kanye, including anti-Black and antisemitic statements, the institution decided to rescind the honor in December 2022.

SAIC’s announced that their decision came after West made public comments that were widely condemned across the country. Evidently, his offensive remarks were not taken lightly. Moreover, the SAIC’s school president described Ye’s actions as “disgusting and condemnable”. The revocation of his honorary degree was also sped along by a Change.org petition. It accused Kanye of using his degree to legitimize hatred and violence. The petition would receive over 15,000 signatures.

Read More: Life Lessons From Kanye West’s “College Dropout”

Harvey Weinstein 

Another celebrity personality who had their degree revoked was Harvey Weinstein. The disgraced former film producer was once dubbed “the king of Hollywood” by the media. Weinstein’s fall from grace began in October 2017, when The New York Times published a report detailing decades of allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him. This report led to a cascade of further allegations and ignited the #MeToo movement. As a result, many women came forward with their experiences of sexual misconduct in various industries.

In response to these allegations, The State University of New York (SUNY) Board of Trustees voted to revoke the honorary degree it had awarded Weinstein from the University at Buffalo. Weinstein had received this honorary SUNY doctorate in 2000. At the time, it was in recognition of his contributions to the film industry. However, the university began the process of rescinding the degree in October 2017, after the allegations became public. The revocation was official on November 15, 2017.

Bill Cosby 

Bill Cosby, the once-celebrated comedian and actor, was awarded numerous honorary degrees during his career. Multiple prestigious universities bestowed him this honor, including Brown University in 1985, the University of South Carolina in 1986, and his alma mater Temple University in 1991. However, following his conviction on April 26, 2018, for three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, a former basketball player and employee at Temple University, many institutions began revoking these honors. Some of the many revoked degrees were from Carnegie Mellon, Notre Dame, Boston College, and also Temple University. To date, over sixty honorary degrees that were awarded to Bill Cosby have been revoked, The Atlantic reports.

[via] [via] [via]

The post Celebrities Who’ve Had Honorary Degrees Revoked appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

7 Rappers Who Have Received Honorary Degrees

by

Various universities and colleges have recognized rappers for their contributions to music and culture, as well as their activism, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Each has significantly impacted hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists. Cultural influencers like Diddy, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah would go on to be recognized by higher education officials.

An honorary degree is also a significant achievement recognizing their dedication and contributions to society. It also inspires young people interested in pursuing a music or art career, showing them that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. While this list is not exhaustive, we’ve pulled together seven names in hip-hop who have been bestowed with honorary degrees. The acknowledgment speaks to just how powerful music’s movement can be and how many doors it can open.

Diddy: Howard University

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10:
Sean Combs, who received an honorary degree, processes out after Howard University’s commencement ceremonies have conclude on May, 10, 2014 in Washington, DC.
(Photo by Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs received an honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2014 for his ongoing contributions to entertainment. The media mogul has also employed thousands through various companies and branding, but his philanthropic work stole attention. The New York native is known to give back to the communities that helped raise him. Those efforts did not go unrecognized.

Further, Diddy has strongly advocated education, establishing a scholarship fund to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to attend college. In 2016, Diddy announced that he would donate $1 million to Howard University, his alma mater, to establish the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. The donation is reportedly the largest in the university’s history. It has helped to provide greater access to higher education for students from underprivileged communities.

LL Cool J: Harvard University

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Host LL Cool J speaks onstage during The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer, received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 2018. He started his career in the 1980s and later branched out into acting and entrepreneurship. His trophy room may be pouring over with awards, including several Grammys, but his social justice and philanthropy efforts are what warmed hearts. He is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society, especially as his wife endured her battle with breast cancer. LL Cool J has also worked to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection. Additionally, the rap icon has been involved in various initiatives to promote education and fight poverty in disadvantaged communities.

Kendrick Lamar: University of Hartford

HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs on stage during the Coca-Cola Music Mix at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival Day 2 at Discovery Green on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Turner)

Kendrick Lamar is considered a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop spaces. The Los Angeles native shines a light on the lives of the marginalized and disadvantaged, even earning himself a Pulitzer. His innovative production, fusion of genres, socially conscious lyrics, and unique style set him apart from his contemporaries. It’s no wonder that in 2018, the University of Hartford in Connecticut awarded him an honorary degree.

In addition to his music, Lamar has been involved in various social justice initiatives. He has used his platform to raise awareness about police brutality, systemic racism, and inequality. His music has also been celebrated for its ability to address these issues meaningfully and powerfully. He’s hailed as a role model for young people passionate about social justice.

Missy Elliott: Berklee College Of Music

Missy Elliott is arguably one of the most beloved talents in the industry. She received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2019, and it didn’t come as a surprise. Missy has a longstanding influence in entertainment. When she isn’t topping the charts, she’s helping a new generation of creatives find their footing. She’s been hailed as a GOAT in music, but her socially conscious efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Queen Latifah: Rutgers University

From the onset of her career, Queen Latifah has dominated. Her music videos stunned young girls around the globe as the rapper was a commanding force, often surrounded by street bikes and crew primarily made of men. She is a hip-hop pioneer unlike any other, demanding that the world refers to her as “queen.” Outside of winning Grammys and storming hip hop, Dana Owens developed a lucrative acting career that has continued until now.

Queen Latifah has always used her platform to advocate for the disadvantaged, especially about issues involving Black women. She has also been involved with the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students who want to pursue higher education.

Chuck D: Adelphi University

NEW YORK – August 25: Public Enemy front man Chuck D poses for a portrait in his hometown of Roosevelt on August 25, 1999 in Long Island, New York. (Photo by Karjean Levine/Getty Images)

Chuck D, one of the frontmen for the legendary hip-hop collective Public Enemy, received an honorary doctorate from Adelphi University in New York in 2014. His work on the fronts of activism, education, and sharing the lesser-taught facts of Black history has made him an admirable figure. He has been involved in various initiatives to promote equality and fight systemic racism, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Ice Cube: University Of Southern California

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: Rapper Ice Cube performs onstage during the Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock concert at Staples Center on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Los Angeles icon Ice Cube has been actively involved in entertainment since his NWA days in the 1980s. He has gone from being perceived as a rapper with a chip on his shoulder to an actor who has starred in family-friendly films. Additionally, Cube has long spoken out about the plight of his community. This was made evident in his fight against systemic racism with his proposed Contract with Black America initiative.

[via][via]