Hailey Baldwin shoots down Justin Bieber dating rumors

NEW YORK, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Hailey Baldwin says she and Justin Bieber are just friends.

The 18-year-old model shot down rumors she is dating the 20-year-old singer at the amfAR New York Gala on Wednesday. Baldwin and Bieber have been linked for months due to their close relationship, but the star told E! News their friendship is nothing more.

"We're just friends. I've known him for a very long time, since I was about 13," she shared. "He's just going through a time in his life where he's transitioning in a really positive way and he needs good people around him. And I'm trying to be a good friend and be there for him and support him."

Baldwin previously denied she and Bieber are dating in December 2014, saying "there's nothing more to it than [friendship]." Father Stephen Baldwin also addressed the rumors earlier this month, telling Splash News he would prefer the model and Bieber to remain just friends.

"No, they're not [dating]," he asserted. "It's just nice to see in this day and age that two adults, who have known each other since she was 12, can just be friends. Isn't that cool? I just think the media likes to get people to click on this and that... Justin is doing great."