Justin Combs Defends Merit Scholarship

When your father’s one of the richest men in hip-hop with an estimated $475 million in earnings, should you be eligible for a college scholarship? A number of critics are saying “no” now that news of Justin Combs’ UCLA scholarship has hit the Web. Combs, the 17-year-old son of rapper and producer Diddy, graduated from a New York high school this week with honors. With a 3.75 GPA and an impressive football record, Combs also managed to nab a merit scholarship from UCLA where he’ll attend this fall.

Instead of congratulatory messages, however, the teen’s is being chastised by people wondering why the offspring of a wealthy mogul would accept such an award. Responding to the negative comments, Combs took to his Twitter page to defend himself and brushed off the criticism. “Regardless what the circumstances are, I put that work in!!!! PERIOD,” wrote the teen. “Regardless of what you do in life every1 is gonna have their own opinion. Stay focused, keep that tunnel vision & never 4get why u started.”

Similarly, UCLA issued a statement on the issue that’s no doubt heightened publicity around their school and its athletic program.

“There’s a misconception out there that somehow athletic scholarships would take away money from low-income students who need need-based aid,” said school spokesman Ricardo Vazquez. “That’s not the case. Athletic scholarships are awarded strictly on the basis of athletic and academic ability.”

Combs was lavished by famous father with a $360,000 Rolls Royce for his 16th birthday.

If you come from a wealthy family should you be ineligible for award money?

Check out a photo gallery of Combs celebrating his graduation and impending scholarship below. –danielle canada