Justin Bieber takes Hillsong advice to remove 'bad influences'€“ makes Floyd Mayweather furious for Instagram snub

The boxer Floyd Mayweather has lashed out at Justin Bieber, calling the pop-star a 'traitor' after Bieber unfollowed Mayweather on Instagram. Bieber has distanced himself from his former close-friend allegedly under the general advice of friends at Hillsong church, who encouraged the Christian musician to remove 'bad influences' from his life.

Mayweather has previously been a close ally of Bieber's, reportedly providing emotional support for the singer earlier this year. The boxer went 'nuclear' and 'insane' when Bieber, 23 unfollowed the sportsman on Instagram, in a bid to 'reset boundaries', according to TMZ.

Bieber, a Christian, has been increasingly open about his faith in recent years, with some recently speculating that he quit his world tour to start a church – though he has denied the claim. He's become increasingly close his friend and mentor Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz, and visits a Hillsong church in his home in LA.

Mayweather is reportedly seen as a negative influence for his attraction to wealth and Las Vegas strip clubs. Friends at Hillsong have been counselling Bieber, and while not singling out Mayweather, encouraged Bieber to re-evaluate his friendships. However, the star isn't seeking to completely exile the boxer from his life, it's said he only needs some distance.

Nonetheless, the boxing champion is apparently furious at the star's move, and called him a 'traitor'. Floyd faces a landmark contest this Saturday, awaiting a much-anticipated showdown with boxer Conor McGregor.

News
Immigration fears shape views of Britishness and Christianity, report finds
Immigration fears shape views of Britishness and Christianity, report finds

Concerns about immigration and cultural change extend beyond those most attached to Britain’s Christian identity, a new report by Theos has found.

Christian teacher challenges dismissal after sharing pro-life views in class
Christian teacher challenges dismissal after sharing pro-life views in class

A Christian teacher is bringing a discrimination claim against a secondary school in Sunderland, alleging that she was dismissed after answering pupils’ questions about her pro-life beliefs and other personal views in class.

Who was the Ethiopian eunuch and what can we learn from him?
Who was the Ethiopian eunuch and what can we learn from him?

When we think about the history of Christianity in Africa, we may immediately think of European missionaries who travelled to the continent to spread the gospel. Yet Africa’s connection to Christianity stretches much further back, to the earliest days of the Church itself.

Christian campaign asks shoppers to reduce reliance on retail giant Amazon
Christian campaign asks shoppers to reduce reliance on retail giant Amazon

The Challenge Amazon campaign is encouraging Christians to support local businesses instead.