Moses “Shyne” Barrow, the former Bad Boy Records rapper turned politician, asserts he was framed as the scapegoat for a 1999 nightclub shooting involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. The claims come in the trailer for his upcoming Hulu documentary, The Honorable Shyne, which delves into his life, legal troubles, and subsequent rise in Belizean politics.
In the trailer, released on October 21, the 45-year-old Barrow reflects on his ascent in the hip-hop scene, noting how “everybody that heard me wanted to sign me,” as visuals of his early career unfold alongside his hit “Bad Boyz.” He recalls the intense bidding war that led to his signing with Combs’ label, which he credits with making him a millionaire at just 20 years old.
The documentary revisits the chaotic events of the 1999 Manhattan nightclub incident that left three injured. Barrow was convicted of first-degree assault, while Combs faced felony gun charges but was acquitted in 2001 after claiming self-defense. During that trial, Combs insisted he had no involvement in the shooting, stating, “Under no circumstances whatsoever did I have anything to do with a shooting.”
Barrow’s mother, Frances Myvette, suggests in the documentary that her son was betrayed, a sentiment Barrow echoes, declaring, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy.” Combs’ legal representatives have declined to comment on the allegations.
The film also chronicles Barrow’s life post-incarceration. Deported to Belize after serving his sentence, he reinvented himself, converting to Judaism and becoming the Music and Goodwill Ambassador for Belize. He has since been elected as Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives.
Reflecting on his past with Combs, Barrow expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, “He turned around and called witnesses to testify against me… This is someone who destroyed my life.” Despite this, he has tried to maintain a relationship with Combs for the benefit of Belize, aiming to foster investment and scholarships.
In a surprising turn of events, the two shared the stage earlier this year during a charity concert in London, performing “Bonnie & Shyne” and “Bad Boyz.”
Meanwhile, Combs is facing legal troubles of his own, having been arrested on allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering. He is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial.
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