Shyne has fiercely criticized Diddy, holding him responsible for the turmoil in his life while reacting to federal charges against the former music mogul.
During a press conference in Belize on September 18, Shyne revealed deep-seated grievances with his former label boss. These issues date back to a 1999 nightclub shooting, which saw Diddy walk free while Shyne served nearly a decade in prison.
“When I was an 18-year-old kid just wanting to make my mother proud and put Belize on the map, I defended him [Diddy],” Shyne, whose real name is Moses Barrow, passionately recounted. “He turned around and called witnesses to testify against me. He pretty much sent me to prison. Yes, I forgave, I moved on. But let’s not pretend as if I was in Miami for Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is someone who destroyed my life and who I forgave.”
Shyne, now a prominent politician and leader of the opposition in Belize, explained his decision to forgive Diddy. He cited potential financial contributions to his home country as a key reason for extending the olive branch. “He was in a position at that time to give scholarships and maybe invest. I would not deny attempting to bring investment to Belize and contributions to education,” he explained.
However, despite his personal grievances, Shyne made it clear he does not take pleasure in Diddy’s legal troubles. “I don’t take any joy or satisfaction with what he is going through. I am different than maybe other people. No one needs to fail for me to succeed,” he said.
The 1999 shooting incident resurfaced in February when victim Natalia Reuben accused Diddy of covering up the incident by paying off witnesses. Reuben, who received nearly $2 million in a settlement, claimed, “I am the woman he shot in the face in that December 27, 1999 Club New York shooting. I have told everyone ad nauseam since then, even the surgeon who took the bullet out. I got shot in my face with a 9mm hollow-point bullet called a cop killer.”
She detailed her distressing experience, asserting that despite her clear testimony, Diddy managed to hide the evidence. “Everybody knew he did it, but he paid off the club bouncer and all these other people to hide the video. That’s his M.O.,” she continued.
Shyne’s accusations paint a harrowing picture of betrayal and resilience. As Diddy faces new legal challenges, the spotlight on their tumultuous past shines brighter, reminding us of the complex lives behind the headlines.
