Justin Bieber has officially responded to rumors that he is one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged victims in the ongoing sex trafficking case.
In a statement shared with People, a spokesperson for Bieber said:
“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.”
This is the first time Bieber has spoken out about Combs, who was arrested in September 2023 after facing multiple allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking.
Speculation about Bieber’s connection to Combs grew after an old 2009 YouTube video resurfaced showing a then-15-year-old Bieber spending time with Combs. In the clip titled “JUSTIN BIEBER’s 48 HRS with DIDDY!!”, Combs and Bieber appeared together and hinted at plans to hang out, with Combs saying, “We’re gonna go full… buck full crazy,” and Bieber joking, “Let’s just go get some girls.”
Despite the video, The Hollywood Reporter noted that Bieber’s longtime security guard, Kenny Hamilton, was present during that time and made efforts to protect Bieber from predatory figures in the music industry, including Combs.
Combs, who is currently in jail, has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges. His former girlfriend, singer Cassie Ventura, is the prosecution’s main witness and has testified about years of alleged abuse during their relationship. Her 2023 lawsuit helped start the investigation into Combs.
