Challenges Faced by Justin Bieber: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Justin Bieber's life and career.

Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer and songwriter recognized as a pop icon. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun and Usher, who subsequently signed him to RBMG Records, Bieber gained international recognition with his debut EP, My World (2009), establishing him as a teen idol. He is known for his performances across multiple genres.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2010: Criticism for Looking and Sounding Younger

In 2010, Justin Bieber faced criticism for his youthful appearance and voice, being perceived as younger than his actual age.

2011: Androgynous Appearance

In 2011, Justin Bieber's androgynous appearance, including his cover on LOVE magazine's androgyny issue, garnered media attention.

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

In 2012, Justin Bieber was accused of reckless driving in his neighborhood.

February 9, 2013: Hosting and Musical Guest Appearance on "Saturday Night Live"

On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber returned to Saturday Night Live as the host and musical guest. His appearance was panned by critics and cast members.

March 7, 2013: Fainting at London's O2 Arena

On March 7, 2013, Justin Bieber fainted backstage at London's O2 Arena after complaining of breathing problems and was taken to the hospital.

April 2013: Controversy over Anne Frank House guestbook message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber faced criticism for writing a message in the guestbook at the Anne Frank House, leading to widespread discussion on social media about perceived insensitivity.

November 9, 2013: Ordered to appear in Argentina court

On November 9, 2013, Justin Bieber was ordered by a Buenos Aires court to appear in Argentina within 60 days to give testimony on an alleged assault on a photographer.

2013: Controversial Events Impact Image

In 2013, Justin Bieber's image was drastically affected by his involvement in several controversial events, including abandoning his pet monkey, vomiting onstage, urinating in a bucket, and other incidents.

January 23, 2014: Arrest in Miami Beach

On January 23, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, on suspicion of DUI, driving with an expired license, and resisting arrest. A toxicology report revealed THC and Xanax in his system.

March 2014: Rolling Stone Cover: Bad Boy

In March 2014, Justin Bieber appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the title 'Bad Boy', reflecting his involvement in several controversial events.

June 2014: Videos with racial slurs emerge

In June 2014, a video emerged of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke about black people using a racial slur. In the same month, a second video showed him singing his song "One Less Lonely Girl" but parodying the lyrics with a racial slur. He apologized for the latter on the day it was released.

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July 9, 2014: Charged with vandalism for egg-throwing incident

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was charged with one misdemeanor count of vandalism in California for throwing eggs at his Calabasas neighbor's home in January.

August 13, 2014: Plea bargain in DUI case

On August 13, 2014, Justin Bieber's January DUI case was settled with a plea bargain, where he pleaded guilty to resisting an officer and driving without due care. He was fined and sentenced to anger management and a drunken driving impact program and made a donation to Our Kids.

September 1, 2014: Arrested for assault and dangerous driving near Stratford

On September 1, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with assault and dangerous driving near his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, after a collision between a minivan and his all-terrain vehicle on August 29.

2014: Several run-ins with the law

Prior to his first arrest in 2014, Justin Bieber had several run-ins with the law around the world, including accusations of reckless driving in 2012 and vandalism charges in Brazil in 2013.

July 24, 2017: Cancellation of Purpose World Tour Dates

On July 24, 2017, Justin Bieber cancelled the remaining dates of the Purpose World Tour due to "unforeseen circumstances".

January 2020: Lyme disease Diagnosis

In January 2020, Justin Bieber announced on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease and infectious mononucleosis, which affected his neurological and overall health.

2020: Struggles with addiction

In 2020, Justin Bieber opened up about his struggles with addiction, including frequent consumption of lean, MDMA, and hallucinogenic mushrooms, in his YouTube docu-series Seasons.

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