Diddy Allegedly Threatened Vibe Editor Over Magazine Cover Dispute
3 min read
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Diddy Allegedly Threatened Former Vibe Editor Over Cover Photo Dispute
Sean “Diddy” Combs allegedly threatened Vibe magazine’s former editor-in-chief, Danyel Smith, saying he would see her “dead in the trunk of a car” after she refused to let him preview his cover photo. The shocking revelation was detailed in Smith’s essay for The New York Times Magazine, highlighting a tumultuous episode in 1997.
Diddy appeared on the cover of Vibe’s December 1997/January 1998 issue, depicted looking intensely at the camera over tinted shades with angel wings behind him. The cover story was titled “The Good, the Bad, and the Puffy.” As the issue neared publication, Combs demanded to see the cover image beforehand, hoping to influence its final version. Smith, adhering to magazine policy, denied his request.
Diddy threatened to kill a former Vibe editor, Danyel Smith, by putting her 'in the trunk of a car' after she wouldn't allow him to change his cover photo.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) July 12, 2024
Combs was slated to be on the cover for the magazine’s December 1997/January 1998 issue, pictured glowering at the camera… pic.twitter.com/qpT51WN2HD
In response, Combs reportedly showed up at Vibe’s offices with his entourage, searching for Smith. To avoid a confrontation, her staff escorted her out through the back door. The following day, Smith claims Combs called her, making the menacing threat about finding her “dead in the trunk of a car” if she did not comply with his demands. When Smith asked for an apology, Combs allegedly responded with, “f**k you.”
Smith sought legal advice, which led to Combs faxing an apology to her office a few days later. However, shortly after, Vibe’s servers, which housed the magazine’s pages, were stolen. Smith suspected Diddy and his crew were behind the theft. Fortunately, a staff member had saved a copy of the cover on a personal server, allowing the issue to be published as planned.
…and another one…
— cognitive dissonance is a helluva drug (@HnySuklChocolat) July 12, 2024
reading the nytimes article by danyel smith about puff. this shit just gets worse & worse pic.twitter.com/QX0QPaVmMi
Smith’s essay also recounts other unsettling interactions with Combs. She described an incident at a party where he dumped the contents of Kim Porter’s purse and demanded she leave. Additionally, there were early rumors of Combs’ abusive behavior towards women in his circle, including a report of an assault at Bad Boy’s offices in 1994.
The allegations come at a time when Diddy is facing multiple lawsuits and a federal investigation related to sex trafficking and abuse. The music mogul has experienced significant backlash, including the rescinding of his honorary degree from Howard University and the revocation of “Diddy Day” in Miami. Mayor Eric Adams also recalled his key to the city of New York.
Is it public knowledge who sexually assaulted Danyel Smith? I dont think I missed this detail in the article but this part really won’t leave me alone. Bless her heart…bless Cassie & all the other victims, too. pic.twitter.com/nzU63PJDeI
— Dr. Kia Conerway (@drkiaconerway) July 13, 2024Advertisement
Smith shared her story now as part of a broader reckoning with Diddy’s alleged abusive behavior. Reflecting on her experiences, she acknowledged the psychological toll of her time in the music industry and the hip-hop media. “Considering this nauseating image of myself running and hiding from Combs, of people at work protecting me, made me confront other things I’d possibly repressed about that feral and fantastic time in my life,” she wrote. “To be a powerful woman in the music industry, and in the hip-hop media specifically, exacted a toll I’ve resisted reckoning with.”
Diddy has not responded to the allegations made in Smith’s essay. As the controversy unfolds, it adds to the growing scrutiny of his past behavior and the impact it had on those around him.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
