Former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith has come forward with allegations that Sean "Diddy" Combs threatened her life during a 1997 cover dispute, detailed in a new personal essay published by The New York Times Magazine.
Smith recounts selecting Combs as the cover star for Vibe magazine’s December/January double issue in 1997, featuring photos inspired by the film poster for Warren Beatty's "Heaven Can Wait," with Combs adorned in white angel wings. The cover shoot led to a split-run concept, one featuring heavenly themes and the other with darker motifs.
According to Smith, tensions arose when Combs insisted on previewing the covers, contrary to magazine policy. Refusing his request, Smith claims she later heard that Combs planned to visit the office to enforce his preferences forcefully.
In response, Smith and her team devised a safety plan fearing Combs' potential visit. Allegedly, Combs arrived at the office accompanied by security guards, seeking Smith's whereabouts. Staff members, forewarned by the receptionist, maneuvered Smith to safety, allowing her to escape in a taxi with the cover proofs.
During subsequent phone conversations, Smith asserts that Combs made threatening remarks, including one where he allegedly said, "I would see you dead in the trunk of a car." Smith responded firmly, threatening legal action if he did not retract his statement. Combs reportedly apologized via fax shortly after.
In an eerie twist, shortly after the incident, Vibe magazine's servers were stolen, containing the entire issue including the contentious covers. Speculation swirled about potential involvement from individuals associated with Combs' label, Bad Boy Entertainment.
Smith's revelations surface amidst mounting legal challenges for Combs, including ongoing legal scrutiny related to sex trafficking allegations and sexual assault lawsuits.
This latest account adds to the complex legacy of Sean "Diddy" Combs, intertwining issues of artistic control, workplace safety, and legal controversies.
