*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.”
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.
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