Justin Bieber isn’t allowed to have female friends it seems. While gossip sites continue to insist the superstar is dating Hailey Baldwin and/or Kendall Jenner, the Topshop model is once again slamming rumors.
Speaking to E! News at the amFAR gala in NYC on Wednesday, the pretty blonde clarified that she and the Biebs — who are often seen hanging out together — are just pals.
“We’re just friends. I’ve known him for a very long time, since I was about 13,” Hailey said, also adding that Justin is “just going through a time in his life where he’s transitioning in a really positive way and he needs good people around him.”
She continued, “And I’m trying to be a good friend and be there for him and support him.”
Silencing or at least slowing down romance rumors has become a regular occurrence for the younger daughter of Hollywood actor Stephen Baldwin. She was forced to shut down a risible “three-way dating” story published by Hollywood Life just last month.
Hailey also denied that she is dating Justin in December after they were seen at various spots after Thanksgiving.
For her part, the model seems resigned to the fact that her friendship with the Canadian singer will routinely be called into question.
“But any male in his place.. any girl that’s around him they automatically assume,” Hailey told E! , adding, “That’s the world we live in. I’m just trying to be there for him and support him as a friend.”
Meanwhile, Bieber and Hailey were both guests at Kanye West’s Adidas runway show on Thursday, which kicked off New York Fashion Week.
West premiered his Season One Yeezy collection with adidas.
Other guests at the show included models Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner , Beyoncé, Jay Z, Rihanna, Diddy, Cassie, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, Russell Simmons, Khloe and Kim Kardashian, Big Sean, Pusha T, Pete Wentz and more.
Somewhat bizarrely, Hailey sat in the front row while Justin sat in the second.
The Biebs posted a few Instagrams post-show. One showed him emerging from the show wearing a Michael Jackson-esque, red jacket and a pair of Yeezy 750 Boost high tops.
It’s likely the Bieber-Baldwin chatter won’t stop anytime soon, as the pair are often in each other’s company.
And in fact, the Hollywood Reporter notes Hailey and Justin left a fashion week party at 1OAK in NYC, where they partied with Sean “Diddy” Combs, iLoveMakonnen, Rihanna and Drake after Diddy and Snoop Dogg’s “Tip-Off” show before Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.
Later, the Biebs posted an Instagram snap of himself with Drake, referring to the rapper’s stealth drop of his If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late mixtape last night.
Hailey’s father was recently asked if the singer was dating his daughter. The actor denied any such thing.
“It’s just nice to see in this day and age that two adults, who have known each other since she was 12, can just be friends. Isn’t that cool?” he said.
Baldwin Sr. added, “Justin’s doing great he’s been in New York hanging out with pastor Carl Lentz from Hillsong NYC and that’s where Hailey goes to church so it’s all good.”
Finally, he concluded, “I think it’s best they just be friends.”
[Images via Instagram]