Justin Bieber performs onstage during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2011 live show at the Odyssey Arena on November 6, 2011 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.Ian Gavan/Getty Images
Justin Bieber will take a paternity test in an effort to disprove allegations he fathered a child in a backstage bathroom, a source close to the singer tells The Canadian Press.
A paternity suit was filed against the singer last week by Mariah Yeater, who claims she had a brief sexual encounter after one of the singer's concerts last fall at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
A source close to the singer who requested anonymity confirmed today that Bieber's team has made arrangements for such a test to be taken when he returns to North America.
The 17-year-old star appeared in Belfast on Sunday night at the MTV Europe Awards.
Appearing on NBC's Today show last week, Bieber denied the allegations, calling them "crazy" and adding that he'd never met Yeater.
Meanwhile, Bieber spokesman Matthew Hiltzik issued a statement to The Canadian Press saying that the singer's team would pursue all legal avenues.
"It's sad that someone would fabricate malicious, defamatory, and demonstrably false claims," Hiltzik said in an e-mailed statement.
"We'll vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to protect Justin and to hold those involved with bringing this suit accountable for their actions."
Yeater is asking a judge for child support and a paternity test. A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Los Angeles police have said Yeater could be investigated for having had sex with a minor. Under California law, it's illegal to have sex with someone under age 18.
Meanwhile, last week The Associated Press cited court records showing Yeater faces trial on Dec. 12 on a misdemeanour battery charge, which could result in a six-month jail term and a $1,000 fine. She has pleaded not guilty.
A police report cited by the AP said Yeater, who attended high school in Las Vegas, slapped her 18-year-old ex-boyfriend during an argument on Dec. 21, 2010.