Justin Bieber has finally spoken out about rumours connecting him to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.
The 31-year-old pop star has responded after widespread concern from fans that he could have been abused by the 55-year-old disgraced rapper during the Love Yourself singer’s 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, days after Combs’ sex 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, as he faces charges of racketeering, sex 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.
This week, Combs’ ex Cassie Ventura has been testifying in court, and on Thursday she returned to the stand.
One of the rapper’s attorneys Anna Estevao quizzed Ventura on her time on the set of 2016’s Honey 3 in South Africa, asking: ‘Mr. Combs suspected you of [having] a relationship with whom?’, and Ventura replied: ‘Michael B. Jordan.’
Ventura also admitted she was ‘angry’ around that period as she saw a photo of Combs with another woman, but she ‘tried her best’ to focus on the film.
She also acknowledged Combs’ jealousy of her fling with Kid Cudi, citing his stature in the industry.
Elsewhere on Thursday, she revealed her ex once overdosed at the Playboy Mansion.
‘That evening, we had a freak-off. We went to a sex club in San Bernardino. And then he had a party at the Playboy Mansion that night, and I went home,’ Ventura testified.
‘From what he told me, he took a really strong opioid that night. But we didn’t know what happened, so we took him to the hospital.’
She said the ‘Freak-Offs’, described by the defence as consistent with a swingers’ lifestyle, occurred weekly throughout much of the relationship.
Ventura insisted Combs introduced her to the practice, which he reportedly viewed as voyeurism.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Ana de Armas giddy speaking about Tom Cruise for first time as dating rumours fly
MORE: Lorde says she’s ‘in the middle gender-wise’ as she opens up on identity
MORE: Rock band cancels tour after drummer hauled off plane and detained by US border control
