Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Justin Bieber

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Justin Bieber.

Justin Bieber is a Canadian pop singer who achieved global fame as a teenager. Discovered by Scooter Braun and Usher, he was signed to RBMG Records in 2008. His debut EP, My World (2009), launched him into stardom, establishing him as a teen idol and marking the beginning of his successful music career. He is recognized for his multi-genre approach to music.

Sections (7)

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

2010: Criticized for Looking and Sounding Younger Than His Age

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

2011: Criticism for Androgynous Appearance

In 2011, Justin Bieber faced criticism for an androgynous appearance, notably on the cover of LOVE magazine's androgyny issue, along with attention to his signature wings hairstyle.

2011: Opposition to Commercial Felony Streaming Act

In 2011, Justin Bieber opposed Bill S.978, known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, stating that U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar "needs to be locked up".

2011: Views on Sexual Abstinence and Abortion

In 2011, Justin Bieber shared his views on sexual abstinence, stating that one should only have sex with someone they love, and expressed his opposition to abortion, considering it "like killing a baby."

2012: Controversial Claim About Indigenous Ancestry

In 2012, Justin Bieber claimed he was "part Indian...I think Inuit or something? I'm enough percent that in Canada I can get free gas", sparking criticism from the Canadian Congress of Aboriginal Peoples for perpetuating a common misconception.

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

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

February 9, 2013: Hosts and Performs on Saturday Night Live

On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber returned to Saturday Night Live as the host and musical guest, but his appearance was met with negative reviews.

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April 2013: Controversy over Anne Frank House guestbook message

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

August 2013: Leak of Michael Jackson Remix and Lil Twist Song

In August 2013, a remixed duet version of Michael Jackson's song "Slave to the Rhythm" featuring Bieber, and a song "Twerk" by rapper Lil Twist featuring Bieber and Miley Cyrus leaked online, leading to criticism and unauthorized release issues.

November 9, 2013: Alleged assault on photographer in Argentina

On November 9, 2013, Justin Bieber was allegedly involved in an assault on a photographer in Argentina. This led to legal issues and an arrest warrant when he failed to testify.

December 2013: Incident with a limousine driver

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

2013: Influenced by Black Culture

In 2013, Justin Bieber stated he was "very influenced by black culture", seeing it as a lifestyle and expressing a sense of "suaveness or a swag".

2013: Charge in Brazil with vandalism

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

2013: Involvement in Controversial Events

In 2013, Justin Bieber was involved in several controversial events, including abandoning his pet monkey in Germany and urinating in a bucket, which drastically affected his public image.

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, and he was later released on bond.

March 2014: "Bad Boy" Rolling Stone Cover

In March 2014, Justin Bieber appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the title "Bad Boy", marking a shift in his public image due to controversial incidents.

March 2014: Alleged sexual assault in Austin

In March 2014, Justin Bieber was alleged to have engaged in non-consensual sexual acts at a Four Seasons hotel in Austin, Texas, according to an accusation made in June 2020.

June 2014: Videos with racial slurs emerge; Bieber apologizes

In June 2014, two videos emerged of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke about black people using racial slurs. Bieber apologized for his mistakes.

July 9, 2014: Sentencing in egg-throwing vandalism case

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was sentenced to pay $80,900 in restitution, serve two years' probation, complete 12 weeks of anger management, and five days of community service for throwing eggs at his neighbor's home in Calabasas.

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, paid a fine, and was sentenced to anger management and a program about the impact of drunken driving, and contributed to Our Kids charity.

September 1, 2014: Arrested 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 a minivan and his all-terrain vehicle, and allegedly engaged in a physical altercation. He was later released.

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 testify on an alleged assault on a photographer.

April 2015: Bodyguards released in Argentina

In April 2015, two of Justin Bieber's bodyguards were released in Argentina in relation to the alleged assault on a photographer in November 2013, after he failed to appear in court.

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.

2019: Opposition to Trump Administration Family Separation Policy

In 2019, Justin Bieber opposed the Trump administration's family separation policy, calling for Donald Trump to "also let those kids out of cages".

June 2020: Accusation of sexual assault

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

December 2020: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act Signed into Law

In December 2020, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, originally opposed by Justin Bieber in 2011, was signed into law by then-President Donald Trump as part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

2021: Removal from Friends: The Reunion in China

In 2021, Chinese streaming sites removed Justin Bieber's scenes from Friends: The Reunion where he was wearing Ross Geller's iconic "Spudnik" costume.

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2021: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act part of Consolidated Appropriations Act

In 2021, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, which was previously opposed, became law.

2022: Expressed Disapproval of Roe v. Wade Being Overturned

In 2022, amidst Roe v. Wade being overturned, Justin Bieber and his wife expressed disapproval, with Bieber stating "For what it's worth, I think women should have the choice what to do with their own bodies."