You aren't the only one that has noticed Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie hanging out more and more.
While the Hollywood pair maintains that they are just friends, romance rumors only grew this weekend when the "Baby" singer posted six pictures in a row with the model.
Beliebers immediately started demanding answers on social media and provided their own theories into the duo's relationship. The comments, however, became too much leaving Justin hopeful that his followers will back off just a bit.
"I'm gonna make my Instagram private if you guys don't stop the hate this is getting out of hand," he wrote on Instagram. "If you guys are really fans you wouldn't be so mean to people that I like."
Several hours later, fans posted a comment that appears to be from Justin's ex Selena Gomez. As it turns out, the "Come and Get It" singer may have a thought on the Bieb's latest post too.
"If you can't handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol – it should be special between you two only," she reportedly wrote. "Don't be mad at your fans. They love you."
If that wasn't enough, Selena later posted a collage of pictures that feature the singer interacting with fans at various events. "My whole life. You matter most," the singer wrote online. "Thank you letting me do what I love every day."
Just when you thought it was over, fans screengrabbed comments believed to be from Justin. "It's funny to see people that used me for attention and still try to point the finger this way. Sad. All love," he reportedly wrote. "I'm not one for anyone receiving hate. Hope u all can be kind to my friends and each other. And yes I love my beliebers."
For those not completely up to date with Justin's dating life—or lack thereof—the singer recently posted a series of snapshots with Sofia. She would later make her first appearance on his Instagram Friday.
Despite the friendly photos, multiple sources insist to E! News that the two are "just friends" and "nothing serious" is going on between them.
Besides, Justin's choice of female companionship landed him in the headlines earlier this month when he was spotted skinny dipping with Sahara Ray while on vacation in Hawaii.