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On February 23rd, Bieber's representative issued a statement to TMZ categorically denying claims of the singer engaging in hard drug use. Instead, they explained that Bieber is in a transformative phase in his life, having ended several close friendships and business relationships that were no longer beneficial. As he approaches his 31st birthday on March 1st, his focus is reportedly on family and music rather than on the negative speculation surrounding him, which his rep described as "exhausting and pitiful."