Speculation surrounding the true nature of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ relationship with Justin Bieber has been circulating for months since Combs’ sex abuse scandal broke. Diddy was instrumental in propelling a teenage Bieber’s music career, but recently, the “Baby” singer has kept his silence— and his distance— from all things Diddy related... until right now.
The Root has been following Diddy’s federal trial since the beginning, and while folks continued to theorize which celebrities were involved with the disgraced music mogul’s drama, Bieber’s name just kept popping up. After recent concerns about the Canadian singer’s physical health and folks using AI-generated music to put words in Bieber’s mouth, we finally have the answers to all the questions surrounding the stars.
Reps for the singer— “some of whom were and some who are right at the center of Justin’s life”— told TMZ Diddy never abused him. “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,” the reps’ statement said.
Combs’ relationship with Bieber goes back to when the “Yummy” singer was just 15 years old and fresh in the music industry. Diddy took Bieber under his wing, which in light of the bombshell sexual abuse allegations against him, had folks giving side eyes.
Many online turned to resurfaced interviews and videos of the two as alleged evidence that Bieber was a victim. The then-15-year-old even spent 48 hours with Combs once in 2009. In the video posted to YouTube, Combs said he couldn’t disclose their itinerary but that it was a “15-year-old’s dream.” He continued, “For the next 48 hours, he’s with me and we’re gonna go buck full crazy.”
Bieber’s new statement comes just as news broke of him selling his $200 million music catalog over financial struggles dropped, according to Complex. Fans of the singer have also expressed their concerns about his physical and mental health following his most recent public appearances, including that with St. Louis rapper Sexyy Red.
Combs’ trial just concluded its first week. His ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who sued Diddy for abuse in 2023, took the stand against him, detailing how the ex-couple met and the timeline of the allegedly disturbing abuse.