Justin Bieber has finally broken his silence on the trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, stating that he ‘is not a victim’ of the rappers sex trafficking crimes. It comes after months of online speculation that Bieber was exploited by Diddy at the beginning of his career.
Diddy is currently on trial for sex-trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied any allegations of sexual abuse. So far, the trial has led to disturbing testimony from witnesses called by the prosecution, including former dancer and escort Daniel Phillip who claims he was paid to have sex with Diddy's ex-partner, Cassandra Ventura, on multiple occasions as part of his 'Freak Offs'.
In September last year, after Diddy was charged with sex trafficking, fans began to unpick Bieber’s close relationship with the rapper during his early fame, jumping to harrowing conclusions that Bieber could’ve been victim to sexual abuse via Diddy as a teenager. Bieber never commented on at the time. Instead, his sometimes-dishevelled public appearance in recent months was interpreted as a response – many assuming his wellbeing has declined since Diddy’s charges were made public.
Shifting focus detracts from the justice victims rightfully deserve.
Now though, a representative for Bieber has denied that he has any allegations against Diddy. ‘Although Justin is not among Sean Combs’ victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him,’ the rep told TMZ. ‘Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.’
TMZ also reported that sources close to Bieber confirm he was never sexually abused by Diddy. Social media sleuths have spent months unearthing old videos as supposed ‘evidence’ of misconduct behind the scenes. One such video was when Bieber and Diddy both appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! back in 2011, and Diddy claimed that Bieber ‘knows better than to be talking about things that he does with Big Brother Puff on national television.’
Bieber spent weekends alone with Diddy as a 15-year-old, posting vlogs of the experience on YouTube, collaborating on music after Bieber was discovered online by music manager Scooter Braun and promoted by fellow singer Usher.
Now 31, many are wondering if Bieber will be called to testify against Diddy given his close proximity to the 55-year-old during the times his alleged crimes took place. It comes as fans also question if Jennifer Lopez will be called to testify after their 1999 arrest together during their relationship.
Is Justin Bieber testifying against Diddy?
After rumours the Bieber was nervous he may have to testify against Diddy, there’s been no confirmation that he will be called as a witness. During jury selection, potential jurors were given a list of at least 190 names of celebrities and public figures, asked to indicate which names they recognised. There’s been no suggestion that Bieber was on that list, but not all of the names have been publicly revealed.
Names that were revealed include Michael B. Jordan, Kanye West, Mike Myers and Kid Cudi, as well as Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, actor Lauren London, singer Dawn Richard, singer-producer Dallas Austin and many of Diddy’s family members. It’s not known why the jurors were asked about these names or how they could be brought up in the trial, although we do now know that Dawn Richards is expected to testify today.
With that being said, it’s not thought that Bieber will testify against Diddy, but with seven weeks left of the trial, who knows what’s next?
Georgia Aspinall is acting assistant editor at Grazia UK, previously senior editor. An award-winning journalist, Georgia writes women's interest stories across politics, health, dating, travel and pop culture with a special interest in humanitarian crises and women's rights.