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 who rose to fame as a teen idol after being discovered by Scooter Braun and Usher. Braun signed him to RBMG Records in 2008. Bieber gained international recognition with his debut EP, My World (2009). Bieber is considered a pop icon known for his multi-genre musical performances.

Sections (7)

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

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

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

February 9, 2013: Saturday Night Live hosting and musical guest appearance

On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber hosted and was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. However, his appearance was panned by critics and cast members.

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

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

April 2013: Criticism for Anne Frank House Guestbook Message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber faced widespread criticism for writing a message in the Anne Frank House guestbook, expressing his hope that Anne would have been a "belieber."

November 9, 2013: Alleged Assault on a photographer

On November 9, 2013, Justin Bieber allegedly assaulted a photographer.

December 2013: Incident with Limousine Driver

In December 2013, Justin Bieber was involved in an incident with a limousine driver, which led to an assault charge that was later dropped in September 2014.

2013: Vandalism Charge in Brazil

In 2013, Justin Bieber was charged with vandalism in Brazil.

2013: Controversial Events and Image Change

In 2013, Justin Bieber's teen heart-throb image was drastically affected due to his involvement in several controversial events, including abandoning a pet monkey, urinating in a bucket, and allegedly assaulting his bodyguard.

January 23, 2014: Arrest in Miami Beach for DUI

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

March 2014: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident

In March 2014, Justin Bieber was alleged to have engaged in non-consensual sexual acts at a Four Seasons hotel in Austin, Texas, by a woman known pseudonymously as "Danielle".

June 2014: Emergence of Racist Joke Videos

In June 2014, two videos surfaced showing a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling racist jokes. He apologized the day the second video was released.

July 9, 2014: Sentencing for Vandalism Charge

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was sentenced for the vandalism charge in California for throwing eggs at his neighbor's house. The Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered him to pay $80,900 in restitution, serve two years' probation, complete anger management, and community service.

August 13, 2014: Settlement of January DUI Case

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

September 1, 2014: Arrest for Assault and Dangerous Driving

On September 1, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with assault and dangerous driving near Stratford, Ontario, after a collision between his ATV and a minivan. He was released shortly after the incident.

November 2014: Ordered to Appear in Argentina Court

In November 2014, Justin Bieber was ordered to appear in a Buenos Aires court within 60 days to give testimony on an alleged assault on a photographer in November 2013.

April 2015: Bodyguards Released in Argentina

In April 2015, two of Justin Bieber's bodyguards were released in Argentina related to an alleged assault on a photographer. This occurred after Justin Bieber failed to appear in court as ordered in November 2014, leading to an arrest warrant.

July 2017: Ban from Performing in China

In July 2017, the Chinese government banned Justin Bieber from performing in China due to his controversial behavior.

July 24, 2017: Cancellation of Purpose World Tour

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

January 2020: Diagnosed with Lyme Disease and Mononucleosis

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

June 2020: Sexual Assault Accusation

In June 2020, Justin Bieber was accused of sexual assault by a woman known as "Danielle", who claimed the incident occurred in March 2014. Bieber denied the allegations and provided evidence that he was not at the location at the time.

2020: Opened Up About Struggles with Addiction

In his American YouTube docu-series Seasons in 2020, Justin Bieber opened up about his struggles with addiction, including frequent consumption of lean, pills such as MDMA, and hallucinogenic mushrooms in the early stages of his career.

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