Shyne Wishes Diddy and His Victims 'Well' amid Sex Trafficking and Abuse Trial: 'I Pray for Justice' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Shyne Barrow; Sean “Diddy” Combs.Photo:Jason Mendez/Getty; Paras Griffin/Getty

Jason Mendez/Getty; Paras Griffin/Getty

Former Bad Boy rapperMoses “Shyne” Barrowis sharing his thoughts onSean “Diddy” Combs’ongoing legal battle.

Speaking to PEOPLE at the premiere of his Hulu documentary,The Honorable Shyne, Barrow says he is praying for “justice” for the people involved.

“First and foremost, you pray for the victims,” Barrow, 46, tells us. “People like Cassie [Ventura] and whoever else is alleged.”

He continues, “We live in a world, in democracies at least, where the rule of law is tantamount. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. I pray for justice, I pray for the victims. I pray for Diddy.”

Shyne Barrow attends ‘The Honorable Shyne’ world premiere on November 13, 2024 in New York City.Jason Mendez/Getty

Jason Mendez/Getty

Speaking specifically about his former mentor, the “Bad Boyz” rapper says he harbors no ill will against Combs, 55, despite having spent eight years in prison after he was involved in a New York City club shooting with him in 1991.

“I hope he can figure out what he needs to do to get through this very challenging time in his life, and that’s something for him to deal with,” he says. “I wish everyone well. I’m at a place where I don’t need anyone to fail or suffer for me to have pleasure or success.”

Looking at the larger picture of the legal case, Barrow brings it back to those who have been hurt, particularly Ventura, who filed anow-settled lawsuitagainst Combs in 2023 where she alleged a decade-long “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.”

“I wish everyone well, including Diddy,” Barrow adds. “Cassie has been through some horrendous experiences, and there are other people claiming the same thing. I pray for everyone involved, especially the alleged victims.”

Shyne and Diddy onstage at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on November 07, 2023.Samir Hussein/Getty I

Samir Hussein/Getty I

Barrow, who currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition in theBelize House of Representatives, was convicted of first-degree assault in 1999 for ashooting inside an NYC nightclubthat left three people injured. He was at the venue with Combs and Jennifer Lopez.

At the time, Combs was charged with weapons possession and attempted bribery following the incident, but he was acquitted of all charges.

Meanwhile, Barrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001, released in 2009 and subsequently deported back to Belize.

Speaking about the incident andthe 2024 raids that led to Combs’ recent arrest, Barrow says in the documentary, “I was absolutely set up to be the fall guy. So this was… shocking, but 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. 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.”

‘The Honorable Shyne’ poster.

Barrow goes on to reveal that the record executive got in touch after his press conference in September, during which he saidCombs “destroyed” his life.

“He reached out, and I said, ‘Listen. It is what it is. Those are the facts. I wasn’t being unkind, I wasn’t being mean. I wasn’t getting into your other allegations and accusations, but as far as it comes with me, you know what the facts are,’ " Barrow recalls in the film. " ‘You apologized back then, and we moved on, and I’ve healed but I’m not going to restate the facts. I’m not going to reconfigure reality. I’m sorry, I’m a political leader, my integrity is all I have. I have to speak based on facts.’ "

In the movie, Barrow alleges Diddy was checking to see if they were “on the same page,” and he remembers telling the mogul, “You know that we weren’t good. You know that you destroyed my life. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve beat the case. I would’ve walked just like you.”

He concludes: “So the idea that him and I are like best friends and brothers, and now I may be changing my tune is just not rooted in reality. And then when the Cassie video came out with Diddy… I had to disassociate myself from him and condemn those actions, and that’s been it.”

Andscape

“Mr. Combs was acquitted of all charges related to the 1999 Club New York incident and has consistently maintained his innocence,” continued the statement. “He cannot accept or condone any characterization of his actions as ‘demonic’ or malicious.”

The spokesperson added, “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 Honorable Shyneis now streaming on Hulu.

source: people.com