Shyne’s Lawyers Worked with Sean Combs to Throw Trial, New Doc Claims
Shyne Barrow was 23 years old when his dreams of becoming a rapper were abruptly snatched away following his conviction of firing a gun in a packed New York City nightclub in December 1999.
The incident injured three people. And although Barrow argued he acted in self-defense, the then-rising star of Bad Boy Entertainment spent eight years in prison before being deported back to Belize upon his release in 2009.
More from Rolling Stone
Since then, the 46-year-old has spent the past 15 years rebuilding his life and image, converting to Orthodox Judaism, retrying his hand at rap music and becoming a leading figure in Belize politics.
But while Barrow went to prison, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who stood trial for weapons possession and attempted bribery, was acquitted. Combs went on to have an illustrious career until this September, when the 55-year-old was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy following Casandra “Cassie” Ventura’s sexual abuse accusations against him in a November 2023 civil lawsuit.
Barrow seemingly made peace with Combs, appearing alongside the music mogul at various events over the years. But in The Honorable Shyne, a new documentary on the musician premiering November 18 on Hulu, he makes clear that the two were never friends again, saying he “was absolutely set up to be the fall guy.”
In the documentary, Barrow accuses celebrity lawyer Murray Richman of “throwing the case” and failing to bring any witnesses to testify that Barrow was acting in self-defense. “All the witnesses came in there to acquit and vindicate Puff,” Barrow says in the film. “We called no witnesses to try to make that point [of self-defense] that I could recollect … I went to the judge a few times asking to change my lawyers, asking to call a mistrial so that I can get a new lawyer because he was deliberately throwing the case.”
The politician’s mother, Frances Myvette, agreed, saying her son was “betrayed.” “Shyne’s lawyer and Puffy’s lawyer were working together,” she adds.
Barrow indicates that he had a recent conversation with Combs as the music executive’s involvement in the 1999 shooting received fresh attention in light of the civil lawsuits and sexual abuse accusations began mounting against him.
Shooting victim Natania Reuben gave multiple new interviews where she repeated her story, insisting that it was Combs who fired the weapon that led to a bullet ripping through her face. “I literally watched them pull out the guns, I had a clear point of view,” Reuben said in March. “I mean, for God’s sake, I got shot in my nose. I was facing them directly. I watched everything occur and have described it, vehemently to all parties involved,”
Barrow says he was floored that people were finally “believing” him. “What was shocking is not that it’s true, what’s shocking is that, finally it’s all coming to light and people believe it,” Barrow explains in the film. “Because when I said it, everyone was partying and having a great time with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison. Nobody really cared.”
As Reuben’s testimony went viral, Barrow claims that Combs reached out to him to talk. “I’m like, ‘Listen, you know that we weren’t good. You destroyed my life. If it weren’t for you, I would have beat the case. I would have walked just like you,’” Barrow recalls telling Combs. “The idea that he and I are like best friends and brothers, and now I may be changing my tune, is just not rooted in reality.”
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Combs “categorically denies” Barrow’s allegations, “including any suggestion that he orchestrated Mr. Barrow to ‘take the fall’ or ‘sacrificed’ him by directing witnesses to testify against him. These claims are unequivocally false.
“Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges related to the 1999 Club New York incident and has consistently maintained his innocence. He cannot accept or condone any characterization of his actions as ‘demonic’ or malicious.” He added that he “wishes [Barrow] continued success,” but that “It is unfortunate that Mr. Barrow has chosen to revisit these allegations.”
Combs is currently being detained without bail as he awaits a May 2025 trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to the three charges.
Update: This story was updated on Thursday, November 14 at 4:30 p.m. EST to include a statement from Sean Combs.
Best of Rolling Stone
Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
