Search
Close this search box.

Former Vibe Editor Danyel Smith Claims Diddy Sent Death Threats Over Cover Photos | VIDEO

*In a candid and unsettling essay penned for the New York Times, former Vibe magazine editor Danyel Smith has revealed a harrowing incident involving music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The incident dates back to 1997 when Combs was set to grace the cover of Vibe in promotion of his album “No Way Out.”

According to Smith, when she denied Diddy access to his cover photos prior to the magazine’s release — a refusal rooted in standard Vibe policy — the repercussions were dire.

Smith recalls that Combs, accompanied by “two associates,” stormed the Vibe offices, determined to find the cover photos. What ensued was a tense search across various cubicles and offices, with Smith being “shuttled… from office to office” to ensure her safe departure from the building. The situation escalated the following day when Smith alleges she received a threatening call from Diddy. Despite reiterating the magazine’s policies, she claims Combs ominously threatened, “I will see you dead in the trunk of a car.”

Not backing down, Smith retorted, demanding he rescind his threat. Instead, Diddy allegedly responded with a “f**k you” curse and a menacing follow-up: “I know where you are right now.”

PARK CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 21: Danyel Smith attends the "Luther: Never Too Much" Premiere during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival at Eccles Center Theatre on January 21, 2024 in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
Danyel Smith / Getty Images)

After consulting her lawyer, Smith received an apology from Diddy, but the ordeal was far from over. Shortly after, the Vibe offices were hit by a theft — the heavy servers housing the magazine’s cover photos were stolen, with suspicions of it being an “inside job” involving Diddy’s associates.

Smith’s essay paints a vivid picture of the continued strain of the incident. Though the magazine’s art director had luckily saved copies of the critical files needed for publication, the fear and psychological impact lingered for Smith.

“I had reason to fear for my life,” she reflects. “What happened was insidious. It broke my brain. I forgot the worst of it for 27 years.”

She further claims that internal rumors were suggesting that someone from Vibe’s publishing side may have facilitated the theft by letting movers from Bad Boy, Diddy’s production company, into the office. This added an extra layer of betrayal and paranoia, contributing to her distress.

Adding heft to Smith’s revelations is the current climate of legal troubles surrounding Sean Combs. Multiple sexual assault and sex trafficking lawsuits have been filed against him, including a recent $50 billion lawsuit by former adult film star Adria English. English alleges harrowing experiences of being drugged, coerced into sexual activities, and subjected to exploitation at parties hosted by Diddy.

As Smith’s essay finds its way into public discourse, it serves as a stark reminder of the powerful positions held by industry giants and the potential abuses that can follow.

Her account sheds light on the darker corners of the entertainment world, where threats and intimidation are wielded to maintain control and suppress dissent.

In the midst of this, Smith’s courage in recounting her experience stands out, offering a sobering narrative that calls for accountability and change. While the allegations date back nearly three decades, they resonate with the ongoing movements demanding truth and justice within industries long shrouded in silence.

As these stories unfold, it becomes increasingly clear how important it is to foster environments of integrity and respect, ensuring that all voices can be heard without fear of retribution. Danyel Smith’s experience, as recounted in her poignant essay, is a powerful testament to the need for such change.

Danyel Smith recalls a 1997 Vibe cover incident involving Diddy //  Smith - Diddy (Getty)
Danyel Smith – Diddy (Getty)

MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM:  Black Music Action Coalition’s Exclusive Screening of ‘Luther: Never Too Much’ | PICs

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

Debby Boone - via Instagram
Tyrse suing Home Depot
Mr. Crocket
Halle Berry - Never Let Go premiere
Hershey's C4 Energy Drinks & Powders (C4 via CNN Newsource)
Megan Thee Stallion (Julia Beverly-Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
Sean 'Diddy' Combs court artist sketch (Christine Cornell via CNN Newsource)
Diddy
Shaquille O'Neal - Getty Images
Reginae Carter - exclusive interview
Tyrese Gibson
Read More
Lizzo (Getty)
Read More
Tim Walz at 2024 DNC - screenshot
Read More
Elon Musk - Getty
Read More
Tito Jackson
Read More
Monica and Brandy
Read More
Shannon Sharpe - IG screenshot
Read More
Ghostface Killah
Read More
Lori Harvey
Read More
Glenn Close and Lee Daniels - via X
Read More

POPULAR

Debby Boone - via Instagram
The Pulse of Entertainment: Grammy Winning Debby Boone to Perform at Rams Head in Annapolis September 21, 2024
Tyrse suing Home Depot
Tyrese's Tribute Single 'Wildflower' Tops Billboard's Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Mr. Crocket
Hulu Drops Trailer for Supernatural Horror 'Mr. Crocket' | Watch
Halle Berry - Never Let Go premiere
Halle Berry Shines on Red Carpet and Gushes Over Her Boo: Van Hunt | EURexclusiveWATCH
Hershey's C4 Energy Drinks & Powders (C4 via CNN Newsource)
Hershey is Turning its Candy into Energy Drinks and Protein Powders with C4 | VIDEO
Megan Thee Stallion (Julia Beverly-Getty Images via CNN Newsource)
Megan Thee Stallion, Kendrick Lamar and Drake Lead 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominations
Sean 'Diddy' Combs court artist sketch (Christine Cornell via CNN Newsource)
Diddy Doomed! Sean Combs to Remain in Custody After Judge Denies Bail Appeal | VIDEO
Diddy
Sean Diddy Combs Locked Up Behind Bars - Is the Decadent Veil of Black Celebrity Collapsing? | WATCH
Shaquille O'Neal - Getty Images
Shaquille O’Neal Goes Viral in Photo with Young Girlfriend
1 2 3 8,300