Sean “Diddy” Combs is pushing back against recent allegations made by rapper-turned-politician Shyne Barrow, who described himself as the “sacrificial lamb” during the fallout of the 1999 Club New York nightclub shooting involving Combs.
Combs, who was arrested on September 16 and is currently in a New York jail, issued the statement through his representative. In it, he categorically denied Shyne’s accusations that he manipulated the legal outcome to protect himself, emphasizing that these allegations are “unequivocally false.”
“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,” his reps tell Baller Alert. Combs highlighted his acquittal in 2001 after a seven-week trial, during which he faced charges including gun possession. Confident in his innocence, Combs took the stand himself and rejected any plea deals.
“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. Mr. Combs trusts that responsible journalism will weigh both the established legal outcomes and Mr. Combs’ positive, longstanding support for those he has worked with,” the statement concluded.
Shyne’s remarks came during interviews with Tamron Hall and Stephen A. Smith, in which he reflected on serving nearly nine years in prison after the nightclub shooting that also involved Combs and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez. Shyne shared that he felt “set up to be the fall guy” and voiced disappointment over Combs’ lack of support during his legal ordeal.
The relationship between the two has been complex, marked by moments of reconciliation such as Shyne’s 2022 appearance at the BET Awards to honor Combs’ Lifetime Achievement Award and their joint appearance at a London charity concert in 2023.
Radio personality Funkmaster Flex also weighed in recently, calling out Shyne following the release of his Hulu documentary trailer, which rehashed allegations of being Diddy’s “fall guy.” “Shyne, you’re a stone-cold liar,” the Hot 97 host said. “You went to jail because you chose to draw your gun, not because anyone else put you in that position.”
Meanwhile, Combs remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, facing charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has entered a not guilty plea and could potentially face a lifetime sentence if convicted.
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