Justin Bieber Says New Song About Paternity Accuser Is His 'Billie Jean'

Justin Bieber has made no bones about the fact that he's modeling his career on that of Michael Jackson, whom he calls "the greatest." So is it any wonder that he's written a song for his new album that thematically echoes one of the King of Pop's biggest hits?

Speaking about "Maria," a track on the deluxe edition of "Believe," Bieber told Billboard, "That's my 'Billie Jean.'" The song is about Mariah Yeater, the woman who accused Bieber of fathering her child last year. Jackson's song "Billie Jean," is, of course, a denial that the titular woman was "not his lover," and the lyrics insist, "the kid is not my son."

Bieber said of the song, "It was something I wanted to get off my chest, and I could just say it in a song and get my point across without having to worry about the words I'm using in an interview."

Bieber graces the cover of the new issue of Billboard, and the photo was chosen by his fans via a Facebook vote. "Believe" hits stores June 19.