Diddy Serves Cease-and-Desist to Shyne Over ‘Fall Guy’ Claims: ‘These Allegations Are False’

Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly issued a cease-and-desist letter to Shyne Barrow following allegations made in Barrow’s new documentary, The Honorable Shyne. According to Page Six, the music mogul’s legal move comes in response to claims that Shyne was made the “fall guy” for Diddy during a nightclub shooting incident 25 years ago.

Shyne, whose real name is Moses Michael Levi Barrow, alleged in the documentary that Diddy orchestrated events to ensure he bore the brunt of legal consequences stemming from the 1999 incident. Representatives for Diddy, however, strongly denied the accusations, stating that they are “unequivocally false.”

The letter issued by Diddy’s team refuted any suggestion that the rapper-turned-entrepreneur sacrificed Shyne or influenced witnesses to testify against him. “Mr. Combs categorically denies these claims,” the letter stated, emphasizing that Diddy was acquitted of all charges related to the shooting and has consistently maintained his innocence. The representatives added, “It is unfortunate that Mr. Barrow has chosen to revisit these allegations.”

For context, the 1999 incident occurred at a Manhattan nightclub where Diddy, Shyne, and Diddy’s then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, were present. An altercation erupted between Diddy and another individual, leading to shots being fired. Three bystanders were injured during the melee. Shyne was convicted of assault, gun possession, and reckless endangerment in 2001 and served nearly nine years in prison. Diddy, however, was acquitted of all charges.

The controversy surrounding the allegations comes at a challenging time for Diddy. The 55-year-old rapper has been incarcerated in a detention center since September 2024, awaiting trial on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Diddy has denied all accusations related to the federal indictment, as well as claims outlined in separate lawsuits.

The cease-and-desist highlights ongoing tensions between Diddy and Shyne, who has since transitioned into politics, serving as a leader in his home country of Belize. Whether the documentary will face legal hurdles due to the letter remains unclear, but the controversy has reignited public interest in the decades-old nightclub case. As Diddy’s representatives stated, “These claims are unequivocally false,” underscoring the rapper’s ongoing efforts to challenge allegations surrounding his personal and professional life.