Justin Bieber Denies Being One of Diddy’s Victims: “There Are Individuals Who Were Genuinely Harmed By Him”

Justin Bieber is addressing the speculation that he is one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ victims amid the hip-hop mogul’s ongoing sex trafficking trial.

“Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him,” a spokesperson for Bieber said in a statement obtained by People.

“Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve,” the rep added.

The statement marks the first time Bieber has addressed the arrest of Combs, whom he collaborated with and seemingly had a friendship with. Combs was arrested last September after facing multiple sexual assault and sex trafficking accusations against him.

Bieber has long been speculated to be one of Combs’ victims after a clip of Combs hanging out with a 15-year-old Bieber resurfaced online following Combs’ arrest. On Bieber’s YouTube, the singer shared a video in 2009 called “JUSTIN BIEBER’s 48 HRS with DIDDY!!” in which the pair recorded themselves hanging out but stayed mum on what their plans were.

“For the next 48 hours, he’s with me. And we’re gonna go full. Buck full crazy,” Combs told the camera.

“Let’s just go get some girls,” Bieber said, as Combs replied, “Man after my heart. That’s what I’m talking about.”

Despite speculation on their relationship, in The Hollywood Reporter’s feature, it was reported that multiple people present at the time noted that Bieber’s longtime security chief Kenny Hamilton shielded the then-young singer from music industry vultures, bad actors and others, including Combs.

Combs, who has been jailed since September, is currently on trial for sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Singer Cassie Ventura, who dated Combs for nearly 11 years and is the prosecution’s star witness, has spent the week on the witness stand, answering questions about their relationship that ended in 2018. Her 2023 lawsuit accused Combs of physical and sexual abuse, and set in motion the investigation against the mogul.

Prosecutors have since detailed a vast criminal enterprise, dating back to at least 2008, through which Combs allegedly trafficked women with the help of his business empire. He pleaded not guilty to three counts involving sex trafficking and racketeering and has continued to deny all allegations.

Combs faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted.