Former Vibe Editor Accuses Sean "Diddy" Combs of Death Threat Amid Mounting Legal Troubles

The Downfall Of Diddy | The Case Against Sean 'Puffy P Diddy' Combs

In a recent revelation, Danyel Smith, the former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine, has accused embattled rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs of threatening her life over an editorial dispute in 1997. This latest accusation comes as Combs faces multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault and physical abuse, alongside a federal criminal investigation into his alleged involvement in sex trafficking.
Smith detailed her harrowing experience in an op-ed for The New York Times, recalling a disturbing incident that occurred in September 1997. The dispute centered around Vibe's December 1997/January 1998 cover, which featured Combs in white, feathered wings. According to Smith, the photoshoot went well, but tensions escalated when Combs demanded to see the cover proofs before they went to press—a request against Vibe's policy.
"Combs wanted to see the Vibe covers before they went to press," Smith wrote. "It wasn’t our policy to show covers before publication, so after I told him no, we heard that he planned to come to our office and force us to show him."
In her article, Smith recounted how her staff devised a plan to protect her from Combs, who had a reputation for violent behavior. "By then, the rap mogul had been found guilty in 1996 of threatening a New York Post reporter with a gun—and was also busy denying that he had something to do with the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur," Smith noted.
Despite the precautions, Combs arrived at the Vibe offices the following day. Smith described how she evaded him by handing the cover proofs to her managing editor and fleeing the office in a cab. Combs, undeterred, called Smith later that day, demanding to see the cover.
"It was then that Combs told me, as I’ve retold hundreds of times over the years, that he would see me ‘dead in the trunk of a car,’” Smith wrote. She responded by demanding he retract the threat, warning him that she would call her lawyer and have him jailed. Combs' response was a vile laugh followed by a dismissive "[Expletive] you." He then added, "I know where you are right now. Right on Lexington [Avenue].”
Smith revealed that Combs faxed an apology within hours, but shortly after, Vibe's computer servers went missing. Fortunately, a staff member had saved an early version of the upcoming issue on a personal disk, allowing the cover to go to print as planned.
This accusation against Combs adds to a growing list of allegations. At least seven women have come forward with sexual abuse claims since his ex-girlfriend, singer Cassie, sued him for rape in October. Although Combs denied any wrongdoing, he settled Cassie's suit for an undisclosed sum within 24 hours.
The accumulation of these allegations and the federal investigation casts a shadow over Combs' career and public image. Despite repeated attempts for a comment, Combs has refused to respond to these latest claims.
Smith's account is a stark reminder of the power dynamics and fear that often accompany such high-profile disputes. Her courage in speaking out after 27 years sheds light on the broader issues of abuse and intimidation within the entertainment industry. As these cases continue to unfold, they underscore the importance of holding powerful figures accountable for their actions.
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