Justin Bieber's New BFF Lil Twist: Is He the Bad Influence? [SLIDESHOW]

Since hanging out with rapper, Lil Twist, Justin Bieber has been involved in numerous controversies, including his pot-smoking shenanigan. Is Lil Twist the bad influence ruining his wholesome image?

Justin Bieber always had a soft spot for young rappers as his bestfriends. First, it was Sean Kingston (who was involved in a near-fatal boat accident in Miami years ago), now it's Lil Twist. Twist, a rapper included in the "Young Money Entertainment" circle with artists Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Tyga, has been hanging around the Canadian singer's posse for quite a while now, and has caused a lot of ruckus in Bieber's career.

In the leaked photo released by TMZ, Justin is seen holding what seems to be a blunt in his hands, with Lil twist in the photo. It was reported that Twist's brother was the one who rolled the pot-filled tobacco, and under Twist's persistence, Bieber gave in and tried to puff the hemp. It was in Newport Beach, CA where the photo was taken, shortly after a New Year's party hosted by the singer.

In a report, Bieber defended Twist about the pot-smoking incident, and claims he is more upset at another friend who sold the "marijuana photos" for $25,000.

Bieber and Twist became close after working in the studio in 2010. It has always been debatable if their friendship is good for the singer's image, but after the marijuana issue, it became clear to fans that Twist might not be fit for Bieber's squeaky clean persona.

It was also Twist who was in the photo with Bieber when the "Barbara Palvin" controversy sparked. It's no surprise if the rapper was the one who egged the singer to make choices or decisions that reflect a rebellious personality far from what or who he is.

Do you think Lil Twist is truly a bad influence on Justin Bieber, or is the singer all to blame?

Start the slideshow to launch photos of Lil Twist and Justin during their goofy moments.

Also read:

Is Justin Bieber Becoming the Most Irresponsible Idol with Marijuana, Self-Harm Effect? [PHOTOS]

Fans Post Self-Harm Photos as Protest Against Bieber's Pot Use, #CutForBieber Trends in Twitter [PHOTOS]

Justin Bieber Visits Fan Suffering From Lukemia, Leaves Pot Issue Behind [PHOTOS]