British pop sensation Conor Maynard has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after appearing to take a surprising dig at global superstar Justin Bieber's singing voice. The controversial moment unfolded during a casual TikTok livestream, leaving fans divided and sparking widespread discussion across platforms.
The Livestream That Started It All
While interacting with followers on TikTok, Maynard was asked by a viewer which artist he would never want to sound like. After a moment's hesitation, the 31-year-old singer responded with what many interpreted as a pointed reference to Bieber, simply stating "the Biebs" before quickly moving on to another question.
The seemingly offhand remark didn't go unnoticed by eagle-eared fans, who immediately captured and circulated the clip across Twitter, Instagram and TikTok communities.
Fan Reactions Split the Internet
Social media platforms erupted with mixed responses to Maynard's comment. Die-hard Bieber supporters expressed outrage at what they perceived as unwarranted criticism of the Canadian star's vocal talents.
One furious fan commented: "How dare Conor disrespect Justin like that? He's achieved what most artists dream of!" while another added: "The audacity coming from someone who hasn't had a hit in years."
However, others came to Maynard's defence, suggesting the comment was taken out of context or meant as light-hearted banter rather than genuine criticism. Some supporters noted that Maynard has frequently expressed admiration for Bieber in the past, including covering his songs early in his career.
A Complicated History
This isn't the first time Maynard has been connected to Bieber in the public eye. Early in his YouTube career, Maynard gained significant attention for his covers of Bieber's tracks, even earning praise from the superstar himself. The relationship appeared cordial, with Bieber once calling Maynard "talented" during a radio interview.
The timing of the comment is particularly interesting given Maynard's recent return to music after a hiatus, during which he's been actively engaging with fans through social media platforms.
As of publication, neither Maynard nor Bieber has publicly addressed the growing online controversy, leaving fans to speculate about the true intent behind the viral moment.
