Justin Bieber Speaks Out on Sean 'Diddy' Combs Relationship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A representative for Justin Bieber said the singer is not a victim of Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is on trial on multiple federal criminal charges, including sex trafficking.
"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," a representative for Bieber told TMZ.
Newsweek reached out to representatives for Bieber for comment.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Justin Bieber attend a Ciroc party at Vanquish Lounge on February 5, 2014, in Atlanta.
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Justin Bieber attend a Ciroc party at Vanquish Lounge on February 5, 2014, in Atlanta.
Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic
Why It Matters
Combs is on trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution. He is also facing dozens of civil lawsuits accusing him of abuse and misconduct.
Combs has pleaded not guilty to all criminal charges and denies any wrongdoing.
What To Know
Bieber and Combs appeared in a YouTube video together in 2009 on Bieber's channel. Bieber was 15 at the time.
In the video, Combs said Bieber was spending 48 hours with him. Combs said he could not disclose where they were or what they were doing, "but it's definitely a 15-year-old's dream."
"For the next 48 hours, he's with me and we're going to go buck full crazy," Combs said.
The two also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2011. Combs said he and Bieber had become "friends."
"He's somebody that we definitely have our arms around and we want to protect him," Combs said. "Because he's such genuinely a nice person besides his talent."
Combs also said Bieber "knows better than to be talking about things that he does with Big Brother Puff on national television."
Bieber was featured on Combs' song "Moments" on his 2023 album The Love Album: Off The Grid.
Friday marked the end of Combs' first week on trial. Opening statements were delivered on Monday.
Combs' former partner, Cassie Ventura, began her testimony on Tuesday and continued it throughout the course of the week. She detailed various aspects of her relationship with Combs, including alleged physical and sexual abuse.
What People Are Saying
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Johnson, during opening statements: "[Combs] used his companies to manipulate women, forcing them with male escorts to have sex while he watched. He and his inner circle made sure he got everything he wanted."
Defense attorney Teny Geragos, during opening statements: "This case is about Sean Combs' private personal sex life. The government has no place in his private bedrooms. They say it is not about his private sex life, but the evidence will show that it is."
What Happens Next
With the first week of proceedings coming to a close, the trial is expected to last another seven to nine weeks. Combs is facing life in prison if convicted.
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