Selena Gomez has "never" used Justin Bieber.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez

The 24-year-old singer songwriter - who previously had a five-year on/off romance with the 'Sorry' hitmaker - has squashed rumours she used her former beau's fame to boost her reputation, and has blamed Justin for making their love life more public than she "ever" wanted.

A source close to the brunette beauty told PEOPLE: "They're both young and have made mistakes, but she has never used him.

"He put their relationship out there way more than she ever did, and he's been very strategic about it."

The 22-year-old singer has continued to post fond memories he shared with Selena on social media, despite splitting up two years ago, and it is believed he brings up his past with the former Disney actress to "get at her".

The source explained: "Whenever something good is happening in her life, he'll post something to get at her."

This comes after Justin threatened to make his Instagram private when fans hit out at his reported new girlfriend Sofia Richie, 17, Selena offered him some advice, to which he after reportedly accused his ex-girlfriend of cheating on him with Zayn Malik.

She wrote on Instagram: "If you can't handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol - it should be special between you two only. Don't be mad at your fans. They love you (sic)."

Justin was not happy and replied: "It's funny to see people that used me for attention and still try to point the finger this way. Sad. All love. 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 (sic)."

However, Selena, 24, then hit back and accused Justin of cheating her throughout their relationship which ended in 2014.

She wrote: "Funny how the ones that cheated multiple times, are pointing the finger at the ones that were forgiving and supportive, no wonder fans are mad. Sad. All love (sic)."

And then Justin, 22, reportedly slammed Selena by saying: "I cheated...Oh and I forgot about you and Zayn (sic)."

Selena previously admitted she would love to date Zayn, who is currently in a relationship with Gigi Hadid.

She said: "If he had asked me out on a date, I would be seen with him. Just kidding, but not kidding."

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