Selena Gomez Talks Justin Bieber: "I'll Always Care About Him"—Watch Now

“And [I’ll] protect him if anybody tries to be mean,” she tells Good Morning America anchors

By Rebecca Macatee Jul 26, 2013 4:23 PMTags

Breakups don't have to be messy—just ask Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber!

The "Come & Get It" it singer opened up about her relationship with the pop star Friday on Good Morning America. When asked how she and the Biebs are able to remain friends despite their split, Selena explained it's "because he and I have had such a history together."

"I'll always care about him," she said, "and protect him if anybody tries to be mean." (Aw!)

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Fortunately, the GMA anchors framed their question about the Biebs more favorably than a WGN reporter earlier this week. In an oh-so-awkward clip, the host asks Selena (via satellite) if there's "something that we don't get" about Justin, adding, "He's done some pretty outrageous behavior."

Selena, who just turned 21, handled the situation with maturity. She smiled politely and continued to listen as she looked down at her phone (quite possibly sending an SOS email for the producers to cut the interview short). Then, just in the nick of time, the screen went to black.

Hey, Justin is an ex, yes, but he's still a friend. And Selena's not the type of lady to talk trash about anyone—especially not the people she cares about.

PHOTOS: Take a look back at Justin and Selena's relationship