Years-old remarks Justin Bieber made about wanting to “protect” Billie Eilish from the music industry have resurfaced in the wake of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ arrest for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering.
Bieber, 30, shared his feelings toward Eilish in 2020 while speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe ahead of the release of his album, “Changes.”
A tearful Bieber told Lowe about his own experiences in the music industry as a young artist. After becoming an overnight success at just 14, the “Baby” singer signed to the record label of Combs’ protégée Usher in 2008.
“It was hard for me being that young and being in the industry and not knowing where to turn, and everyone telling me they loved me, and turn their back on you in a second,” Bieber said.
“I just want to protect her,” the singer added of Eilish, who was only 18 at the time of Bieber’s interview.
“I don’t want her to experience anything I went through. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Justin Bieber remarked, expressing concern for Billie Eilish as they both navigate the pressures of early fame.
Like Bieber, Eilish skyrocketed to superstardom at a young age. Her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, topped the charts in the US and featured several hit singles.
In a 2020 conversation with Zane Lowe ahead of the release of his album Changes, Bieber reflected on his personal struggles that unfolded in the public eye. He admitted that at times, “it was bad… it was dark.” He elaborated, “Think about how young I was and so impressionable, with everyone telling me how awesome I am all the time. I just want people to understand the psychology behind why I might have problems in my life.”
Bieber revealed that he has been “living in this shame” connected to his past experiences. He grew emotional recounting the challenges he faced as a young artist, having risen to fame at just 15.
Regarding Eilish, Bieber expressed his desire to be “a good example” for her. “If she ever needs me, I’m just a call away,” he assured.
Though Bieber didn’t mention Sean “Diddy” Combs directly in the interview, many on social media speculated about potential implications, particularly in light of renewed attention on a video featuring a “creepy” interaction between a 15-year-old Bieber and Diddy. In the video, Diddy remarked, “He’s having 48 hours with Diddy, 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.”