A new Hulu documentary has unveiled startling allegations about Sean "Diddy" Combs' actions during his 1999 weapons possession trial, adding another layer of controversy to the embattled music mogul's mounting legal challenges.
The documentary, "The Honorable Shyne," which premiered Monday, features explosive claims from Combs' former bodyguard, Gene Deal, who describes witnessing what he characterizes as a ritual sacrifice on the morning of the verdict. The revelation comes as Combs faces federal charges in an unrelated case involving allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Deal, speaking on camera, recounts a previously undisclosed incident in New York's Central Park. "When Puff got close to the guy, he just dropped down to his knees," Deal states in the documentary. "Next thing I see, is this smoke just going back and forth around Puff. I guess it was sage or something like that." The former security detail provides a detailed account of what allegedly transpired next, describing a scene involving a white bird that, according to Deal, met a dramatic end.
The documentary primarily focuses on Moses "Shyne" Barrow, who served ten years in prison following the 1999 nightclub shooting incident that initially brought Combs into legal jeopardy. Barrow, now a politician in his native Belize, suggests in the film that he was used as a "fall guy" in the case. "Because when I said it [at the time], everyone was partying and having a great time with Diddy while I was left to rot in prison," Barrow states in the documentary.
Combs has strongly rejected these characterizations. In a statement to Rolling Stone, his team said he "categorically denies" Barrow's allegations, "including any suggestion that he orchestrated Mr. Barrow to 'take the fall' or 'sacrificed' him by directing witnesses to testify against him. These claims are unequivocally false."
The timing of these historical allegations coincides with Combs' current legal battles. The 55-year-old music producer was arrested on September 16 and faces a three-count federal indictment including charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 5, with Combs maintaining his innocence through his legal representatives.
Adding to his legal challenges, Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee has announced that his firm represents more than 120 alleged victims in new lawsuits against the music producer. These civil cases encompass various allegations, including claims of drugging victims, sexual assault, and rape – all of which Combs' legal team has consistently denied.
The 1999 case, which forms the backdrop for these new allegations, resulted in Combs' acquittal on weapons possession and attempted bribery charges, for which he had faced up to 15 years in prison. However, Barrow was convicted of assault, reckless endangerment, and criminal possession of a pistol, leading to his decade-long incarceration and subsequent deportation.
"The Honorable Shyne," now streaming on Hulu, traces Barrow's journey from his brief rap career to his current role as a politician in Belize, while shedding new light on the complex relationship between Combs and his former protégé. The documentary's revelations add another dimension to the ongoing public scrutiny of Combs' past and present legal challenges.