Through his representative, Justin Bieber has assured fans that is not using drugs, and criticized the ongoing speculation about his mental and physical health as “exhausting and pitiful and shows that despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.”
The statement (via Rolling Stone) was apparently released in response to images of Bieber taken in New York and Los Angeles earlier this month that prompted concern among his fans. In some photographs, the 30-year-old pop singer was seen with dark bags under his eyes. Another video captured Bieber swaying back and forth while interacting with a fan.
However, according to TMZ, Bieber was photographed after a sleepless night in the recording studio and caring for his son. A source close to the singer says he’s been sober from drugs since 2014 and only drinks alcohol socially.
Bieber’s representative added in their statement that the last year has been “very transformative for him as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.”