Justin Bieber paternity suit dropped

Justin Bieber attends the Bambi Awards on Nov. 10, 2011, in Wiesbaden, Germany.

/ Getty

(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES - Updated 3:14 p.m. EDT

Justin Bieber's baby drama could soon be over.

An attorney for a woman who claims Justin Bieber is the father of her baby boy said Wednesday her lawsuit has been withdrawn as both camps wait for the singer to take a paternity test.

Pictures: Justin Bieber

Lawyer Jeffrey Leving told The Associated Press the suit filed in San Diego Superior Court by Mariah Yeater, 20, was recently removed without prejudice. However, the lawsuit could be refiled at a later date. A hearing set for Dec. 15 has been canceled.

"This case was never dismissed. It can be refilled today or tomorrow," Leving said. "We are trying to settle this matter out of court with Bieber's camp."

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing a source close to the case, that Yeater has dropped the paternity suit. TMZ reported that she "quietly dismissed" the lawsuit last week, and that her lawyers had withdrawn from the case.

Yeater claimed that she and Bieber had a brief sexual encounter following one of his concerts last fall. She was seeking financial support from the "Baby" singer, and may have also faced statutory rape charges because the singer was 16 at the time of the alleged encounter.

Matthew Hiltzik, a spokesman for the teen heartthrob, said Bieber still intends to submit to a paternity test in the coming weeks.

"As we've said from the beginning, it's sad that someone would fabricate such a malicious, defamatory, and demonstrably false claim," Hiltzik said. "We'll continue to consider all of our options to protect Justin."

Yeater has not come forward with any evidence to prove Bieber is the father, but her attorneys insist the paternity test will prove he has a son.

Leving said the media storm that has ensued combined with death threats made to Yeater were the main reasons why the lawsuit was withdrawn.

"I will state right now it's better that it's handled out of court which is in the best interests of everybody," Leving said.

Yeater had to change her cell phone number because of threats made upon her and she was recently harassed by someone who videotaped her as she was walking in a park with her son, Leving said. A private detective has been hired to investigate the threats, but Leving declined comment if Yeater has reached out to police.

Leving believes both camps will sign a confidentiality agreement that will keep the paternity results private but he realizes that scenario may not be possible.

"Hopefully the case can come to a safe and healthy conclusion," Leving said.

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Justin Bieber

[Jhihmoac]

Let her go back to Maury and find another dupe...

[Thess_515]

Jeez, people go to the TMZ website. She made up the whole thing and tried to conceal her ex-boyfriend as the father. As believable as Casey Anthony..

[TrickyWV]

Beiber isn't the father. He is not of that persuasion.

[OldProfessor]

WOW, A DNA test of Bieber is useless in proving paternity unless there is a DNA test of the baby also. Of course Jerry Springer would be happy to pay for both!!!

[longtree-2009]

bieber should get tested and resolve the matter once and for all. she should be arrested for having sexual relations with a child.

[ssporleder]

If the test proved he was the father she would be charged with rape.

Without the test, he still could be the father and they just settled well out of court.

WE will never know.

[A_Love_Child]

Too bad the press didn't do a better job vetting this BEFORE it ran.
http://******/vGrebg

[A_Love_Child]

www.lovechildstories.com

[thoughtxchange2]

I would SO pursue legal action against this very ridiculous girl. It was clear all this was premeditated from the beginning on her end for attention. She needs to be brought down hard and feel some of the pain she caused to others with her lies. She needs to be in the position of feeling helpless now like she put Bieber through. I really don't care who the target was- it just happened to be Justin Beiber- you don't do this type of thing and think there will be no consequences. She is going to get hers and it will most likely be multiple times the pain she caused him when it's all said and done. There are some seriously crazy people in this world.

[linfinster]

You need help ... or some sex ed classes.

[bobkat258]

Girls can't be fathers.

[hsinco-2009]

Every time I see this kid, my GAYDAR goes nuts!