Current:Home > NewsTradeEdge Exchange:Former Bad Boy artist Shyne says Diddy 'destroyed' his life: 'I was defending him' -FundPrime
TradeEdge Exchange:Former Bad Boy artist Shyne says Diddy 'destroyed' his life: 'I was defending him'
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-10 23:05:58
Rapper and TradeEdge Exchangeformer Bad Boy Records artist Moses "Shyne" Barrow is now speaking up about his former collaborator, Sean "Diddy" Combs.
The rapper-turned-politician was asked about the record label founder after his arrest on Monday on racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges. Combs remains in custody after being denied bail for a second time on Wednesday.
"One of the things that I would never wish on my worst enemy is to be incarcerated ... so I take no joy in anyone's challenges," Barrow said of his former mentor's arrest.
But Barrow, who has since made the transition to politician in Belize and serves as leader of the opposition in the country's House of Representatives, said in an interview published Thursday that the producer "destroyed" his life after a 1999 nightclub shooting in New York City.
Combs, his then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez and Barrow were all arrested following the shooting at the now-defunct Club New York in Times Square in December 1999.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Diddy is'fighting for his life' amid sex trafficking charges. What does this mean for him?
The politician claimed Combs offered witnesses to assert Barrow's guilt in the resulting trial. Barrow was later convicted of assault in shooting two bystanders and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Combs and an employee of his, Anthony Jones, were acquitted of weapons charges.
The now-leader of the Belize United Democratic Party was released from prison in 2009 and deported to Belize.
"When I was an 18-year-old kid, just wanting to do nothing other than make my mother proud and make Belize proud and ... be recognized for my talent and take over the world," he continued. "I was defending him, and he turned around and called witnesses to testify against me."
As a rapper, Barrow is best known for the singles "Bad Boyz" and "Bonnie & Shyne," with notable collaborations including Usher's "Confessions Part II" remix with Kanye West and Twista. Released while he was still incarcerated, Barrow is assumed to have sent in his verse over prison phone. "Sitting in my cell, head about to burst," he rapped. "Wouldn't be alive if I didn't shoot first."
Barrow said he has since forgiven Combs. The pair have made appearances together, including at a November performance in London, and at the 2022 BET Awards, where Combs received the lifetime achievement award. Barrow also defended his relationship with the producer in recent years, claiming he continued to interact with Combs to push philanthropic causes.
"This was not someone who I vacationed with and who ... I enjoyed this great intimate relationship of brotherhood," he said. "This is someone who destroyed my life, and who I forgave."
Natania Reuben, one of the victims of the shooting, maintained in an interview earlier this year that Combs was responsible for her injuries.
Victim Natania Reubeninsists Sean 'Diddy' Combs pulled trigger in 1999 NYC nightclub shooting
"I literally watched them pull out the guns, I had a clear point of view. 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," Reuben said during an appearance on NewsNation's "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" in March. "I have nine bullet fragments remaining in my face."
The trial lasted six weeks with a plethora of witnesses. Reuben testified, "I saw Mr. Combs … pull out a black gun with his right hand," the Washington Post reported at the time, adding she then felt as though "a flaming hot sledgehammer had hit me in the face."
The victim said she assumed Barrow was convicted over Combs despite her testimony "because his name was more notable … rather than a victim who gave it firsthand account."
Contributing: Naledi Ushe
veryGood! (861)
Related
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- US unemployment claims fall 7,000 to 227,000 in sign of resiliency in job market
- The State Fair of Texas is banning firearms, drawing threats of legal action from Republican AG
- Matthew Perry Investigation: Authorities Reveal How 5 Defendants Took Advantage of Actor's Addiction
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- Gena Rowlands, Hollywood legend and 'The Notebook' actor, dies at 94
- Get Designer Michael Kors Bags on Sale Including a $398 Purse for $59 & More Deals Starting at $49
- Have you noticed? Starbucks changed its iced coffee blend for the first time in 18 years
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Red Cross blood inventory plummets 25% in July, impacted by heat and record low donations
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Gena Rowlands, acting powerhouse and star of movies by her director-husband, John Cassavetes, dies
- 2025 COLA estimate dips with inflation, but high daily expenses still burn seniors
- Jordan Chiles Vows Justice Will Be Served After Losing Medal Appeal
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- 'Rust' movie director Joel Souza breaks silence on Alec Baldwin shooting: 'It’s bizarre'
- Bob Menendez to be replaced by New Jersey governor’s former top aide, AP source says
- Miami father, 9-year-old son killed after Waverunner slams into concrete seawall in Keys
Recommendation
Could Bill Belichick, Robert Kraft reunite? Maybe in Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class
Naomi Osaka receives US Open wild card as she struggles to regain form after giving birth
What Conservation Coalitions Have Learned from an Aspen Tree
Artists who object to Trump using their songs from Celine Dion and Isaac Hayes’ estate: How it works
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Infamous LA officer’s gun found in $1 million watch robbery case
As students return, US colleges brace for a resurgence in activism against the war in Gaza
No testimony from Florida white woman accused of manslaughter in fatal shooting of Black neighbor