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 pop icon recognized for his genre-spanning music. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun and Usher, who jointly signed him to RBMG Records, Bieber gained international fame with his debut EP, My World (2009). The release solidified his status as a prominent teen idol.

Sections (7)

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

2010: Criticism for youthful appearance

In 2010, Justin Bieber was frequently criticized for looking and sounding younger than his age.

2011: Androgynous Appearance and Media Attention

In 2011, Justin Bieber faced media attention and was noted for an androgynous appearance, including his cover appearance on LOVE magazine's androgyny issue. His signature wings hairstyle also gained significant attention.

March 7, 2013: Faints Backstage at London Concert

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

April 2013: Criticism for Anne Frank House guestbook message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber was criticized for writing a message in the guestbook at the Anne Frank House, which some perceived as insensitive and narcissistic.

November 9, 2013: Ordered to appear in Argentina court

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

2013: Controversial Events

In 2013, Justin Bieber's image was affected by several controversial events, including abandoning a pet monkey, urinating in a bucket, cursing at a photo of Bill Clinton, and wearing a gas mask in public.

January 23, 2014: Arrest in Miami Beach

On January 23, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, along with singer Khalil, on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving with an expired license, and resisting arrest. He admitted to consuming alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs and was later released on a $2,500 bond. A toxicology report showed THC and Xanax in his system.

March 2014: Rolling Stone "Bad Boy" Cover

In March 2014, Rolling Stone featured Bieber on its cover with the title "Bad Boy", reflecting the controversies surrounding him at the time. The same year, Bieber adopted the pseudonym "Bizzle".

June 2014: Videos with racial slurs emerge

In June 2014, two videos surfaced showing a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke containing a racial slur and singing a parody of his song with the same slur. He apologized on the day the latter video was released, acknowledging his past mistakes.

July 9, 2014: Charged with Vandalism

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was charged with one misdemeanour count of vandalism in California for throwing eggs at his Calabasas neighbor's home in January. He pled no contest to the charge and then permanently moved to Beverly Hills, California.

August 13, 2014: Settlement of 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, paid a US$500 fine, and was sentenced to anger management and a program on the impact of drunken driving. He also made a US$50,000 contribution to Our Kids, a children's charity.

September 1, 2014: Arrested for Assault and Dangerous Driving

On September 1, 2014, near his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with assault and dangerous driving after a collision between a minivan and his all-terrain vehicle on August 29. He allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with an occupant of the minivan. He was released shortly, and his lawyer blamed the incident on paparazzi.

July 2017: Banned from Performing in China

In July 2017, the Chinese government banned Justin Bieber from performing in China due to his controversial behavior. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture stated that it was "not suitable to bring in badly behaved entertainers" in order to maintain order in the Chinese market.

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: Diagnosis of Lyme disease and mononucleosis

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

2020: Opening up about addiction in docu-series

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

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