The tense relationship between Justin Bieber and ex Selena Gomez is laid bare for the world to see as the pair get embroiled in their biggest public row ever after the heartthrob posted a picture of his new girlfriend Sofia Richie.

Justin BieberJustin Bieber lashes out at his fans once again

Justin Bieber has been spending a lot of time with Selena Gomez lookalike Sofia Richie, the daughter of Lionel Richie, recently, and naturally his fans aren't happy. You can't be a celebrity and have your entire fanbase support your relationship decisions, especially when most of them also love your former girlfriend. That's just the way it is. However, Justin is not happy with the way his heartbroken Beliebers are treating his new flame, and said as much.

'I'm gonna make my Instagram private if you guys don't stop the hate', he threatened alongside a shot of him and Sofia. 'This is getting out of hand, if you guys are really fans you wouldn't be so mean to people that I like.' Fans reacted with fury at this suggestion, but none more so than his former love Selena Gomez, who chose to defend his fans.

'If you can't handle the hate, then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol - It should be special between you two only', she responded. 'Don't be mad at your fans. They love you and supported you before any one ever did.'

Never one to let anything go, Bieber hit back at the criticism by getting personal about their own failed relationship, suggesting that Selena, who launched her career long before Justin, 'used' him for fame. 'It's funny to see people that used me for attention and still try to point the finger this way. Sad. All love', he wrote. 'I'm not one for anyone receiving hate. Hope you can all be kind to my friends and each other. And yes I love my Beliebers.'

Selena replied by accusing Justin of cheating on her. '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', she said.

More: Selena Gomez talks dating

Justin appeared to have the last word of the argument, with the comment: 'I cheated... Oh I forgot about you and Zayn?' This was apparently in reference to an interview Selena did with InStyle earlier this year where she reportedly said: 'If [Zayn Malik] had asked me out on a date, I would be seen with him. Just kidding, but not kidding.'

While Selena did manage to hold back on saying anything else, she did take to her own Instagram page to share a collage of photographs of her fans with the message: 'My whole life. You matter most. Thank you for letting me do what I love every day.'

So, who's side are you on? #TeamSelena or #TeamJustin?