Justin Bieber, 31, has finally spoken out about rumours connecting him to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, 55.
Bieber has responded after widespread concern from fans that he could have been abused by the disgraced rapper during his early years in the music industry.
In 2024, a video resurfaced showing Justin, who was a minor at the time, hanging out with Combs for “48 hours”, while the pair collaborated on an album.
On Thursday, May 15, days after Combs’s s£x trafficking trial began, Bieber’s spokesperson released a statement addressing the situation.
They told TMZ: “Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him.
“Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.”
Combs’ trial started in New York on Monday, May 12, as he faces charges of racketeering, s£x trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has denied all allegations, and could spend the rest of his life in prison if convicted.
Combs aided in Justin’s path to fame, having been a mentor to Usher, who signed the Canadian singer at just 14 after Scooter Braun discovered him.
An insider previously told Us Weekly he “wants to protect himself” and is “completely disgusted” by the allegations.
In a video taken in 2010 when Bieber was 16, the young singer can be seen stuttering and looking uncomfortable as Combs asks him why he doesn’t hang out with him anymore.
They maintained a friendship over the years, and Justin even collaborated on Diddy’s song Moment on his The Love Album: Off the Grid in 2023.
A source has since told the Daily Mail: “Bieber is so disturbed by the Diddy news and is unwilling to process it or discuss it so he has shut off.”
They also added that Bieber deeply regrets their most recent collaboration and wouldn’t have done it if he had known of Combs’ alleged illegal activities.