Selena Gomez never used Justin Bieber

Selena Gomez did not use her former beau Justin Bieber's fame to boost her reputation, says a source close to the songstress.

"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 source told people.com.

Bieber has continued to post fond memories he shared with Gomez on social media, despite splitting up two years ago.

"Whenever something good is happening in her life, he'll post something to get at her," the source added.

This comes after the "Baby" crooner threatened to make his Instagram private when fans hit out at his reported new girlfriend Sofia Richie. Gomez offered him some advice, to which he reportedly accused his ex-girlfriend of cheating on him with former One Direction band mate 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."

Bieber 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."

However, Gomez, then hit back and accused the "Boyfriend" crooner 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."

And then Bieber reportedly slammed her by saying: "I cheated... Oh and I forgot about you and Zayn."

--IANS

dc/rb/vt