Danyel Smith Accuses Sean Combs of Death Threat in New Docuseries

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith has accused music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs of threatening to kill her during a dispute over a magazine cover in the late 1990s, according to a sneak peek of the upcoming Investigation Discovery docuseries, The Fall of Diddy. The allegations, which Combs’ attorneys have dismissed as “pure fiction,” are set to air on Jan. 27 and 28.

In the docuseries clip released on Jan. 23, Smith claims Combs demanded to see the cover of a 1997 issue featuring him, but she refused, citing company policy. After repeated refusals, Smith alleges Combs told her over the phone, “I will see you dead in a trunk.” Smith says she immediately contacted her attorney, who then demanded a written apology from Combs. She claims to have received the apology nearly two hours later.

Smith further alleges that Combs visited the Vibe offices with “two tough guys” looking for her in the days leading up to the incident. She first shared these claims in a July 2024 personal essay published in The New York Times.

Combs’ attorneys have vehemently denied the allegations, calling the docuseries a “one-sided and prejudicial narrative.” In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, they said, “These documentaries are rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs. The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims.”

A source close to Combs questioned the credibility of Smith’s claims, noting that she continued to attend events and meetings with Combs over the years, including a business meeting at his home in 2021. “If this individual truly felt threatened, why did she continue to engage with Mr. Combs?” the source said.

Combs, currently incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, is awaiting trial on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, scheduled for May 2025. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Additionally, he faces more than 30 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct.

The Fall of Diddy will air on Investigation Discovery on Jan. 27 and 28 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on Max.