Newest Sean 'Diddy' Combs Bombshell Allegations
"Purple Reign" in the studio with Diddy, 2010. Photo by TheLadyJenkins. Public domain.
The allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs just keep piling up. In the latest bombshell, former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith claims the hip-hop mogul once threatened to see her "dead in a trunk" over a dispute about a magazine cover. The shocking accusation is detailed in an upcoming docuseries that delves into decades of alleged intimidation, abuse, and cover-ups.
Death Threat Over a Cover Story?
In a preview of "The Fall of Diddy," the upcoming docuseries, journalist Danyel Smith recounts a disturbing phone call with Combs in 1997, when he allegedly became enraged after being denied early access to Vibe's December/January issue. Smith says that when she refused to make an exception to the magazine's policy, Combs made a direct threat on her life.
"I told him that I wouldn't be making an exception," Smith recalls in the documentary, according to Rolling Stone. "And he said that he would see me dead in a trunk if I did not show it to him."
Smith says she immediately pushed back, demanding he take back the threat, but Combs refused. She then contacted her attorney, who warned the hip-hop mogul that law enforcement would be involved if he didn't issue an apology. Less than two hours later, Smith received a faxed statement from Combs, though the exact wording of the apology has not been disclosed.
A Pattern of Intimidation
According to Smith, the phone call wasn't the only intimidation tactic Combs allegedly used. She claims she later learned from former staff members that, just days before the threat, Combs had shown up at the Vibe offices with two unidentified men, apparently looking for her.
The Vibe cover in question — featuring Combs under the tagline "The Good, the Bad, and the Puffy" — was published as planned. However, Smith has previously claimed that the magazine's database, which contained the stored pages of upcoming issues, mysteriously disappeared around that time, leading staff to suspect Combs' involvement.
Combs' Legal Battles Continue
Combs' legal team has denied Smith's allegations, dismissing them as "pure fiction" and claiming they are part of a biased narrative meant to capitalize on his current legal troubles, according to PEOPLE. A statement from his attorneys accused documentary producers of failing to provide him with enough time or details to respond to the claims before airing the series.
"These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs," his attorneys said, as reported by PEOPLE. "This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative."
These new allegations come at a time when Combs is already under intense scrutiny. The former hip-hop mogul is currently being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, facing federal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and interstate transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty, with his trial set to begin in May.
Decades of Allegations Come to Light
The docuseries, premiering Jan. 27 and 28 on ID and Max, will feature new interviews with former colleagues, accusers, and industry insiders. Among them are former Bad Boy Records artist D. Woods, producer and accuser Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, and journalist Mara S. Campo. The documentary also highlights claims that Combs used his power and influence to cover up years of alleged abuse and violence.
While Combs maintains his innocence, the wave of allegations against him continues to grow. With more than 30 lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and an upcoming criminal trial, "The Fall of Diddy" is set to pull back the curtain on one of the music industry's most controversial figures.
References: Former 'Vibe' Editor Recalls Sean Combs Death Threat in Docuseries Preview | Former Vibe Editor Alleges Sean 'Diddy' Combs Said She'd Be 'Dead in a Trunk' During Dispute Over Magazine Cover
