Justin Bieber faces a paternity suit. (Associated Press)

As far as I'm concerned, you're not really considered a megastar until you're embroiled in a scandal or lawsuit. For Justin Bieber - this is both.

The singer is facing a paternity suit filed by a California woman who says he is the father of her three-month-old son. In (juicy court documents filed on Oct. 31st, 20-year-old Mariah Yeater alleges JB fathered her son Tristyn in a brief backstage fling after a concert. Yeater is asking the court for child support and coverage of her attorney fees. Bieber would have been 16 at the time of the alleged hook-up.

Meanwhile reps from Bieber's camp say they will "vigorously" pursue legal options to "defend and protect Justin against these allegations." Not sure how they'll head off Yeater's request for a DNA test to determine if Bieber is the father of her child. As Maury Povich knows from his frequent episodes devoted to mothers wanting paternity tests - they are a definitive way to end speculation, one way or another.

A California court has set a hearing on the matter for Dec. 15.

But here's the rub. If it turns out that Bieber did indeed father Yeater's son - it would prove that Yeater committed a crime. Under California's age-of-consent law, it was illegal for the then 19-year-old to have sex with a then 16-year-old Bieber. This would make her liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in prison.

Now 17-year-old Biebs spoke up for himself today on Twitter, tweeting "so I'm going to ignore the rumors... and focus on what is real. an opportunity to help by doing what I love. Judge me on the music! Love yall!" (sic)

The timing of this news is pretty interesting, the Stratford teen idol would have to admit. Just a day after his new Christmas album Under the Mistletoe is released, his name is on every gossip-brokers' lips. Wonder how this potential scandal will play with his more wholesome fans... or his sweet-as-apple-pie girlfriend .

So does this story fall under "any publicity is good publicity" axiom? What do you think?

-- Arisa Cox