Justin Bieber’s representatives have released a statement saying that the singer was never a victim of accused sex abuser Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Combs—who is currently on trial in New York City—was arrested last September on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Since then, online commentators have been digging relentlessly into his relationship with Bieber, whom he started hanging out with when the Baby singer was a teen.
However, reps for Bieber have told TMZ that this detracts attention from the real alleged victims of the music mogul. “Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him,” a spokesperson said.
“Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve,” they added.
Diddy, now 61, discussed his friendship with the Canadian singer, 31, in a 2011 appearance on the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Diddy, then known as “Puff Daddy,” said: “We’ve become friends in a strange way.”
“He knows better than to be talking about the things that he does with big brother Puff on national television,” he added at one point. “Everything ain’t for everybody.”
In a YouTube video of the two hanging out together that Bieber posted in 2009, Diddy is seen showing the youngster a Lamborghini and telling him he can’t have it until he turns 16.
“Right now, he’s having 48 hours with Diddy,” Diddy tells the camera.
“Where we hanging out and what we doing, we can’t really disclose. But it’s definitely a 15-year-old’s dream… We’re gonna go buck-full crazy.”
The Daily Mail reported in October 2024 that some anonymous sources close to Bieber did not approve of the young pop star’s relationship with the producer and rapper.
However, multiple sources close to Bieber were keen to dampen any further speculation as Combs’ sex trafficking trial continues.
TMZ reported that those sources said the elder musician “never sexually or otherwise abused Bieber.”
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