While in New Zealand, Bieber sat down for an interview with "The Edge" radio show. When the hosts asked about the date-gate, Bieber piped up and slapped down One Direction's plan to release their Made in the A.M. alongside his album, apparently titled Purpose.

"It's a friendly competition," Bieber said. "I don't know if they're really going on the road much, but we're talking about them right now, so it gives them some promo, right? So, that's probably why they did it."

He said it was all in good fun, but stood by his claim. "I think it was strategy on their part because my release date was first," he said. Watch Bieber's conspiracy theory - here.

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