Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber respond after Tekashi 6ix9ine claims they ‘stole’ top chart spot

‘Be grateful you’re even here, that people want to listen to you at all’

Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber have defended themselves against Tekashi 6ix9ine’s claims that they bought their number one spot on the US Billboard chart.

The hip hop star – who is on house arrest after serving jail time for racketeering, firearms offences and drug trafficking – claimed on Monday (May 18) that Grande purchased tens of thousands of units of her joint charity single with Justin Bieber, “Stuck With U”, so it would beat his new release, “Gooba”, to the top of the chart.

“Understand this, they bought 30,000 or so units on six credit cards,” the rapper said on Instagram. “Six credit cards. Now again, you’re gonna enjoy your No.1. Now explain how you buy 30,000 with six credit cards.”

Grande took to social media to emphasise that it was her and Bieber’s fans who bought the song.

“I would like to address a few things which I don’t usually do (I don’t give my energy to drama or strange accusations normally but this has gone a little too far)... my fans bought the song. JUSTIN’S fans bought the song. OUR fans bought this song (never more than four copies each, AS THE RULES STATE).”

The 27-year-old also thanked her fans. “They are ride or die motherf****** and i thank god every day that i have them in my life, not just when they fight for us to win (even when I ask them not to as I did this week) but because they’re some of the greatest people i know.”

Grande advised that “anybody that is displeased with their placement” to humble themselves.

“Be grateful you’re even here,” Grande said, “that people want to listen to u at all. It’s a blessed position to be in.”

Tekashi 6ix9ine – real name Daniel Hernandez – made a subsequent video addressing Grande in which he said he wasn’t targeting her but a corrupt system where only those from privileged backgrounds reach success.

“I speak for the millions of kids that come from nothing,” Hernandez said.

Responding directly to Grande’s remarks, he wrote, “You say for me to be humble. I don’t think you know what humble is. YOU ARE VERY TALENTED AND BEAUTIFUL GOD BLESS YOU.”

Bieber explained on his Instagram story that a last-minute disclosure of 60,000 units was because the Billboard charts like to keep the final numbers a surprise.

“Nielsen company checks this and found all our fans are amazing and bought them,” Bieber said. “Don’t discredit our fan base with false info.”

Bieber also claimed that some streams of “Gooba” will have been disregarded because global streams aren’t included in the Hot 100 chart calculation.

“This is my song with Ariana Grande and I’m honoured to work with her to raise money for a great cause,” Bieber said, referring to the fact that “Stuck With U” is a charity single. “If you’re going to say her name make sure you say mine because it’s our song.”

Proceeds from “Stuck With You” will help fund the First Responders Children’s Organisation.