In an explosive revelation, former Vibe magazine editor-in-chief Danyel Smith has accused Sean “Diddy” Combs of threatening her life during her tenure at the iconic publication. Smith detailed the harrowing experience in a personal essay for The New York Times Magazine, recounting a tumultuous clash over Combs’ December 1997/January 1998 cover story.
The Controversial Cover
Smith selected Diddy as the cover star for Vibe’s double issue, featuring a creative concept inspired by the 1978 Warren Beatty film Heaven Can Wait. The photos depicted Diddy in white angel wings, with two different versions of the cover highlighting “heavenly” and “hellish” motifs. According to Smith, Diddy demanded to see the covers ahead of publication—a request that violated the magazine’s strict policies.
When Smith denied him access, the Bad Boy Entertainment mogul allegedly escalated his demands, reportedly planning to visit Vibe’s offices to force a change if he didn’t approve of the imagery.
A Threatening Confrontation
Smith recalled Diddy arriving at the Vibe offices accompanied by two security guards, asking the receptionist, “Where’s Danyel?” Staff members, anticipating trouble, quickly devised a plan to protect Smith. She narrowly escaped the building with proofs of the cover in hand, fleeing in a taxi while avoiding a direct confrontation.
The following day, Smith says Diddy called the office and made a chilling threat: “He would see me ‘dead in the trunk of a car,’” she wrote. Standing her ground, Smith insisted he retract the threat. When she warned that she would involve her lawyer, Diddy allegedly revealed, “I know where you are right now. Right on Lexington.”
Smith contacted her lawyer, and shortly after, Diddy faxed over an apology. However, the drama didn’t end there. Days later, the magazine’s servers—which contained the entire issue—were stolen from the office. Rumors swirled that individuals tied to Diddy’s Bad Boy label may have been involved, though this was never confirmed. Luckily, the issue was salvaged thanks to a backup disk kept by the magazine’s art director.
Diddy Declines to Comment
Smith’s allegations have reignited conversations about Diddy’s alleged history of intimidation. Representatives for the music mogul declined to comment on the record regarding Smith’s claims.
A History of Allegations
This isn’t the first time Diddy’s behavior has come under scrutiny. In May, surveillance footage from 2016 resurfaced, allegedly showing Combs physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Combs issued an Instagram apology, stating, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” while attributing his actions to a period of personal turmoil.
The Cultural Legacy of the Cover
Despite the controversy, the December 1997/January 1998 Vibe issue remains a cultural milestone, capturing the height of Diddy’s influence during the golden era of hip-hop. Smith’s essay sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes chaos that shaped this unforgettable moment in media history.
Exclusive Clip
Catch a glimpse of the infamous Vibe cover in our exclusive clip from NStyle Atlanta Uncut, where we dive deeper into Danyel Smith’s story and discuss the cultural impact of this iconic issue.
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