A journalist has come forward with detailed allegations that Sean “Diddy” Combs threatened her life over the approval of photos for a magazine spread. The claims are part of the upcoming docuseries The Fall of Diddy.
Danyel Smith, former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine, alleges that Combs, 55, threatened to have her “dead in a trunk” if she did not show him advance images for a feature in the publication.
“After the shoot, Mr. Combs demanded to see the covers before publication,” Smith said in a preview of the series. “It was against policy to show covers to anyone before they were published.”
Smith recounted a phone call in which Combs allegedly made the threat. “I told him I wouldn’t make an exception, and he said he’d see me dead in a trunk if I didn’t show him the cover.”
According to Smith, Combs refused to retract the threat until her lawyer intervened. “My attorney contacted him and warned that if an apology wasn’t immediately faxed, we would involve law enforcement,” she said. “About 90 minutes later, I received the faxed apology.”
Smith also revealed that she later learned Combs had sent individuals to intimidate her at the Vibe offices. “Staff members informed me he had come to the offices with two tough guys looking for me,” she said.
The incident occurred in connection with a story titled The Good, the Bad, and the Puffy, published in Vibe’s December 1997/January 1998 issue. Smith previously discussed the matter with The New York Times Magazine, noting that documentation of the incident disappeared at the time.
Parallels to Current Allegations
Smith’s claims echo allegations in Combs’ current federal case, where prosecutors accuse him of using blackmail and violence to silence victims. Combs faces charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transporting individuals for prostitution.
The music mogul, known for hits like “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” has been in federal custody since his September 16 arrest in Manhattan. His trial is set for May 5, 2025, following multiple denied bail requests over concerns he might flee or tamper with evidence.
The charges stem from a series of incidents, including March 2024 raids on his properties and a May video showing him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie.
Upcoming Docuseries
The Fall of Diddy, produced by Investigation Discovery, aims to shed light on decades of allegations against Combs.
The network describes the series as an exploration of the mogul’s alleged history of abuse and violence, featuring interviews with those who witnessed his temper during his early days at Howard University and throughout his career with Bad Boy Records.
Through archival footage and interviews, the series aims to provide a comprehensive account of Combs’ alleged actions and their impact.
