Chris Brown Receives Honorary Ph.D. as New Album Lands 13th Top-10 Debut

6 articles · Updated · Complex · May 24

Harvest Christian University awarded Chris Brown an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree in Visual & Performing Arts on May 23, recognizing his impact on music, entertainment and performance culture.
Photos from the ceremony showed Brown in academic regalia and holding a diploma citing his qualifications for the honorary distinction after nearly two decades in the industry.
The honor arrives during a fresh commercial high: Brown’s 27-track album "Brown" debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 with about 65,000 equivalent units and more than 60 million on-demand streams.
That release became his 13th top-10 project, even as reviews were mixed and a harsh Pitchfork critique drew backlash from fans and singer Tank.

As Chris Brown accepts his honorary doctorate, why is the awarding university's accreditation under scrutiny?

Are honorary degrees for celebrities devaluing the meaning of a legitimately earned doctorate?