Rhianna Benson
Amidst the ongoing trail against alleged sex offender Sean 'Diddy' Combs, former acquaintance Justin Bieber has spoken out.
Already well-respected in the entertainment industry, Combs famously assisted with the Canadian hit-maker's rise to stardom in 2009.
When Bieber was just 15 at the time, the music producer would have been nearing 40.
Combs now faces charges of a number of heinous sex crimes, including racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.
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He denies all allegations made against him, however, having entered a not guilty plea.
In the lead up to his trial, however, several videos of Combs and a teenage Bieber began going viral online, several of which imply a close relationship between the pair of musicians.
In one controversial clip, the 'Bump, Bump, Bump' rapper can be heard directing a number of unnerving phrases at the rising star, who awkward shifts in return and attempts to look away from the camera.
"Right now [Bieber’s] having 48 hours with his boy," Combs tells viewers in said video, pulling the 'Baby' chart-topper close. "Where we’re hanging out and what we’re doing cannot really be disclosed.
"For the next 48 hours, he’s with me and we’re gonna go buck full crazy."
A joint appearance the pair made on an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has also been doing the rounds online, during which Combs warns Bieber: "He knows better than to be talking about the things that he does with big brother Puff on national television."
The father-of-seven eerily added: "Everything ain’t for everybody."
As we say, however, in the midst of the hotly-discussed New York trial, a representative for father-of-one Bieber has now issued a statement on rumours that the singer was one of Combs' 'victims'.
Speaking to TMZ, the star's agent shut down the concerning speculation, emphasising that he was never subjected to sexual or otherwise abuse at the hands of the 55-year-old.
"Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him," Bieber's representative explained.
"Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve."
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 10am-10pm, Monday to Friday.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.