The next day, Smith recounted receiving a threatening phone call from Diddy. According to Smith, Diddy was persistent in his demand to see the covers. She admitted in her book “Shine Bright,” that she had misinterpreted the reason for his anger and omitted parts of the conversation in the Times. Diddy reportedly threatened Smith, stating that he would find her “dead in the trunk of a car.” In response, Smith stood her ground and told Diddy to retract his threat.
Diddy then allegedly lashed out, saying “Fuck you,” which prompted Smith to inform him that she would be contacting her lawyer. Despite this, Diddy continued to assert that he knew her whereabouts. After consulting with her lawyer, Smith claimed to have received an apology from Diddy. However, the subsequent theft of servers containing the Vibe cover files only added to the unsettling nature of the situation.
Reflecting on the incident that allegedly occurred in 1997, Smith expressed the fear she felt for her safety. The experience deeply affected her, causing her to suppress the memories for nearly three decades. The full account of the ordeal can be found in the comprehensive article published in the Times.