Justin Bieber has addressed speculation he is one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged victims amid the rap mogul’s ongoing sex trafficking trial.
Their relationship dates back to around 2008, beginning shortly after the then–14–year–old ‘Baby’ singer had signed with Usher and Scooter Braun’s label, RBMG Records.
A year later, a video titled ‘JUSTIN BIEBER’s 48 HRS with DIDDY!!’ was shared on the singer’s YouTube channel, in which Diddy says to the camera: “Where we hanging out and what we’re doing, we can’t really disclose. But it’s definitely a 15-year-old’s dream.”
The Bad Boy Records founder continued: “I have been given custody of him. You know, he’s signed to Usher, and I had legal guardianship of Usher when he did his first album… We’re gonna go full. Buck full crazy.”
That interaction is often referenced by social media users convinced Bieber fell victim to Diddy as part of his alleged misconduct. One more recent example – a 2021 video in which Diddy appears to pat the singer down – has also caused speculation, with some social media users convinced Diddy was checking the younger artist for a wire.
Until now, the pop star has remained quiet following the arrest of his former collaborator, who in September was arrested and charged with crimes including sexual trafficking and racketeering. Monday (May 12) marked the first day of Combs’ trial which came as a result of a lawsuit brought against the rapper by his ex, Cassie Ventura, in 2023.
Representatives for the singer have now released a statement denying claims he was a victim of Diddy. “Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him,” the spokesperson said in a statement (via People).
“Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.”
Diddy is yet to respond to Bieber’s statement.
It comes at a fraught time for Bieber, who recently lost his grandfather, hit back at what he has called “gossip” and “lies” about his private life, and was forced to deny reports that he is in financial distress and “more than $20million” in debt, calling them “ill-informed” and “clickbait stupidity”.
Meanwhile, Combs’ sex trafficking trial so far has seen Ventura testify against the rapper in court, sharing recollections of alleged physical and emotional abuse. Many of these relate to the so-called “freak-off” sexual encounters that included male escorts.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, and has denied all other allegations of misconduct levelled against him.
He has also pleaded not guilty to five criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has consistently denied all allegations against him and has asserted that all sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual.
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