Justin Bieber is responding - sort of - to new photos that have hit the Internet of him smoking what appears to be marijuana with a group of friends.

"everyday growing and learning. trying to be better. u get knocked down, u get up," Biebstweeted just hours after the pictures went public.

"i see all of u. i hear all of u. i never want to let any of you down. i love u. and..thank u #beliebers.

"like i said...2013...new challenges. new doubters...Im ready. We are ready. see u all tomorrow and everyday after that," he wrote.