Shyne, 46, born Jamal Barrow, was at a Manhattan nightclub in 1999 with Combs and the Bad Boy Records founder’s then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez when an altercation erupted between Combs and another man – leading to guns being drawn, shots fired, and three bystanders being injured. Shyne and Combs went on trial in 2001, but only Shyne was convicted of assault and reckless endangerment.
Now a politician in Belize, Shyne served eight years in jail. He says in the new documentary, ‘The Honorable Shyne’, which addresses the incident, that Combs’ ways are now “coming to light”.
He adds he believes he was made the “fall guy” for Combs over the nightclub incident.
Shyne said: “Because when I said it (at the time), everyone was partying and having a great time with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison.” He previously told The New York Post about his conviction: “I grew up (told) to not get my friends in trouble. And that’s what it really boiled down to, integrity about character.” Shyne also said in an interview promoting his documentary he believed he was protecting Diddy but claims the singer “got witnesses to testify against me, to say that basically I was this uncontrollable person that was acting in a depraved manner, which was the furthest from the truth”.
Combs’ representatives have hit back at Shyne’s claims, with one telling Page Six: “Mr. Combs categorically denies Mr. 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 incident) and has consistently maintained his innocence.
“Mr Combs appreciates the path Mr Barrow has pursued and wishes him continued success. “It is unfortunate that Mr Barrow has chosen to revisit these allegations.”
Combs also denies all sexual assault allegations against him.
