Here is a timeline on Diddy and Justin Bieber’s relationship as the singer addresses the allegations that he was a ‘victim’ during the producer’s ongoing trial.
Diddy – real name Sean Combs – is currently on trial and is accused of several charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution – all of which he has denied.
Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, has been giving her testimony to court over the past two days, where she has alleged years of abuse at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, as well as being allegedly forced into participating in the so-called ‘freak-offs’.
A few celebrities have been mentioned in the trial, however, one surprising insight recently arrived via Bieber’s representative, who told TMZ: “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.”
Justin Bieber first met P Diddy when he was 15 years old (YouTube/Justin Bieber)
2009: Justin Bieber and P Diddy meet for the first time
Just months after Scooter Braun discovered singer Bieber on YouTube and became his manager, Diddy expressed an interest in mentoring him.
In a viral video titled ‘JUSTIN BIEBER’s 48 HRS with DIDDY!!’ originally posted in 2009 when Bieber was 15, Diddy referred to having ‘custody’ of the superstar teenager.
“Where we’re hanging out and what we’re doing, we can’t really disclose, but it’s definitely a 15-year-old’s dream. For the next 48 hours he’s with me. And we’re gonna go full. Buck full crazy,” said the music mogul, while also promising Bieber a white Lamborghini for his next birthday and a mansion for his 18th.
Their questionable interaction drew criticism from viewers, especially in the wake Diddy’s downfall.
They jointly appeared on talkshow Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
2011: Bieber and Diddy’s infamous appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Teaming up for a 2011 appearance on US talkshow Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Diddy revealed they’d become buddies ‘in a strange way’ and that Bieber was more like his ‘little brother’.
“He’s one of the greatest kids you could ever know,” he added, before dropping a truly unsettling remark into the mix later on.
Kimmel was aware of Diddy’s previous supercar and property promise to the youngster, so he made sure to ask what had happened since.
“[Bieber] had the Lambo for a day or two and he had access to the house,” replied the rapper, “and he knows better than to be talking about the things that he does with Big Brother Puff on national television.”
The celebrity friends were spotted partying together (Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
2012: Diddy calls out Bieber for lack of contact
A year later, Diddy was filmed reprimanding his younger friend about a supposed lack of communication.
“Everything’s good? Selling out arenas and everything? Starting to act different, huh?” he asked Bieber. “You ain’t been calling me and hanging out the way we used to hang out.”
Confused by this turn of events but keen to keep the peace, Bieber pointed out: “You tried to get in contact with me throughout all my [projects] and what not – but you never got my number. I’m going to tell you my number.”
The relationship has fizzled out over the last few years (Frazer Harrison/AMA2015/Getty Images for dcp)
2015: Their friendship seems normal again
Bieber and Diddy are seen partying together more frequently around this period of time, as Bieber’s fame goes stratospheric.
2016-2019: Diddy and Bieber start to go their separate ways
Their partying days are seemingly over, as Bieber starts to step away from his ‘bad boy’ image and shifts focus towards looking after his mental health.
He then marries Hailey Baldwin in 2018.
