Justin Bieber apologizes to Taylor Swift then defend manager Scooter Braun

Justin Bieber took to social media Sunday to defend his longtime manager Scooter Braun after Taylor Swift released a statement criticizing him for “manipulative bullying.”

Her statement was in response to Braun’s recent acquisition of Big Machine Records, which holds the rights to Swift’s first six albums, all of which are multiplatinum.

She also called out Bieber for being a part of Braun's alleged bullying throughout the years, pointing to the 25-year-old singer's previous Instagram post, which showed a video chat with him, Braun and Kanye West, with the caption, "Taylor Swift what up."

"First of all I would like to apologize for posting that hurtful instagram post, at the time i thought it was funny but looking back it was distasteful and insensitive," Bieber wrote on Sunday.

"I have to be honest though it was my caption and post that I screenshoted of scooter and Kanye that said 'taylor swift what up' he didnt have anything to do with it and it wasnt even a part of the conversation in all actuality he was the person who told me not to joke like that." 

"Scooter has had your back since the days you graciously let me open up for you.! As the years have passed we haven’t crossed paths and gotten to communicate our differences, hurts or frustrations. So for you to take it to social media and get people to hate on scooter isn’t fair. What were you trying to accomplish by posting that blog?" he asked.

"Seems to me like it was to get sympathy u also knew that in posting that your fans would go and bully scooter."

Bieber continued, telling Swift that "both Scooter and I love you."

"I feel like the only way to resolve conflict is through communication. So banter back and fourth online i dont believe solves anything. I’m sure Scooter and i would love to talk to you and resolve any conflict, pain or or any feelings that need to be addressed. Neither scooter or i have anything negative to say about you we truly want the best for you," he added.

"I usually don’t rebuttal things like this but when you try and deface someone i loves character thats crossing a line."