Justin Bieber defended as fans make crucial point following reaction to viral picture of him

Justin Bieber was branded both 'frail and unrecognisable' by a social media critic earlier this week following the release of several new paparazzi snaps.

In response to the criticism, a batch of Beliebers have since hit back, making a powerful point about recent blows to the singer's health and defending his latest public aesthetic.

In January 2020, aged just 25, Bieber announced that he'd been diagnosed with Lyme disease - a condition caused by an infection from a tick bite.

Breaking the news at the time, the Canadian hit-maker also revealed he'd been diagnosed with Mono, which forced him to take a step back from the spotlight.

Weeks later, Justin was also forced to issue a statement after sickly images of him began going viral online.

"This was a time where I was really unhealthy," he hit out on Instagram. "I was battling Lyme disease, right? All of the top photos are me looking disheveled, right? I was obviously going through a tough time, but it’s like, these are the photos that the media tries to run with."

Unfortunately for the 'Baby' chart-topper, however, it doesn't sound like much has changed, and another photo of Bieber has been doing the rounds online this week.

The snap in question sees the father-of-one - who shares a son named Jack with wife Hailey Bieber - walking down the street in New York city, wearing his baggy black trousers down to his knees and several layers of outerwear up top.

A similar photo of Justin was also shared by controversial TV and internet personality Oli London on X (formerly Twitter), who - claiming to be quoting the Mail - wrote: "Justin Bieber appears frail and unrecognizable, sparking concerns for his health.

"The singer has become 'borderline reclusive' and is 'struggling' with his wife said to be in a constant battle desperately trying to help him."

Tyla has reached out to Bieber's reps for comment.

Since the paparazzi snaps began going viral earlier this week, however, thousands of the star's fans have sped to his defence - including one who put any changes to his appearance down to his busy schedule.

"justin bieber is a man who is a father, husband, son & friend & literally has been spending day & night at the studio for almost a week straight & god forbid he looks tired," they tweeted.

"the man is human & is allowed to look tired walking down the street"

The comment seems to be in response to rumours Justin is planning a musical comeback.

Last month (16 Jan), the musician posted a video of himself jamming out alongside Hailey in the car where he appeared to be listening to an unreleased track.

Over the top of the video, the ‘Never Say Never’ singer included a film camera emoji and a writing hand, teasing that he’d been working on the song in a recording studio.

Discussing his latest criticism, however, another added: "He looks perfectly NORMAL. He ain't on a stage, no need to put up an act & wear stage outfits.

"He's OFF work living his life like all off work people do. World's so comfortable harassing him for everything.

"He's less than perfect & world's at his throat."

Another expressed sympathy towards the star for anything he might be going through behind the scenes, writing: "I really hope he's okay man, not sure what's happened but hopefully he's doing fine".

A fourth continued: "Looks like Justin Bieber can't catch a break—every public appearance sparks more rumors. Are the speculations just noise, or is there more to this 'picture-perfect' couple than meets the eye?"