Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Justin Bieber.
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer and pop icon known for his genre-spanning music. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, he was signed to RBMG Records through Usher. His debut EP, My World (2009), gained him international recognition and established him as a teen idol.
2011: Opposed the Commercial Felony Streaming Act
In 2011, Justin Bieber was among the list of content creators opposing Bill S.978, also known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act.
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2012: Indigenous heritage claims
In 2012, Bieber claimed to be 'part Indian', sparking criticism from the Canadian Congress of Aboriginal Peoples for perpetuating a misconception regarding complimentary gasoline from the Canadian government.
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2012: Accused of reckless driving
In 2012, Justin Bieber was accused of reckless driving in his neighborhood.
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February 9, 2013: Host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live
On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber hosted and performed as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, receiving negative reviews from critics and cast members.
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April 2013: Criticism for Anne Frank House Guestbook Message
In April 2013, Justin Bieber faced criticism for writing a message in the guestbook at the Anne Frank House, which was perceived as insensitive and narcissistic, sparking widespread debate on social media. The Anne Frank House defended Bieber, acknowledging his age and genuine interest in Anne Frank's story.
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August 2013: Leak of "Slave to the Rhythm" remix
In August 2013, a remixed duet version of Michael Jackson's "Slave to the Rhythm", featuring Justin Bieber, leaked online, sparking controversy.
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2013: Influence by black culture
In 2013, Justin Bieber said he was "very influenced by black culture", but he neither thought "of it as black or white" nor tried to "act or pose in a certain way".
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2013: Charged in Brazil with vandalism
In 2013, Justin Bieber was charged in Brazil with vandalism.
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2013: Controversial Events
In 2013, Justin Bieber was involved in several controversial events that drastically affected his teen heart-throb image, including abandoning a pet monkey and urinating in a bucket.
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March 2014: Rolling Stone "Bad Boy" Cover
In March 2014, Justin Bieber appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the title "Bad Boy", reflecting his controversial image during that period.
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June 2014: Videos Surface of Racist Jokes
In June 2014, two videos emerged showing a 15-year-old Justin Bieber making racist jokes. One video contained Bieber using the n-word multiple times. The second video showed him changing the lyrics of his song "One Less Lonely Girl" to be racially offensive. Bieber later apologized for his actions.
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July 9, 2014: Sentenced for Vandalism
On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was sentenced for vandalism for throwing eggs at his neighbor's house in Calabasas. The Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered him to pay $80,900 in restitution, serve two years' probation, complete anger management, and perform community service.
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August 13, 2014: Plea Bargain in 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. Bieber was fined $500, ordered to attend anger management and a program about the impact of drunken driving, and contributed $50,000 to Our Kids, a children's charity.
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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, following a collision between his ATV and a minivan on August 29. Police reported a physical altercation between Bieber and an occupant of the minivan. Bieber was later released.
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November 2014: Ordered to Appear in Argentina
In November 2014, Justin Bieber was ordered by a Buenos Aires court to appear in Argentina within 60 days to give testimony regarding an alleged assault on a photographer that happened November 9, 2013.
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March 2015: Comedy Central Roast Appearance
In March 2015, Justin Bieber was the featured roastee in Comedy Central's annual roast special.
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July 2017: Banned From Performing in China
In July 2017, the Chinese government banned Justin Bieber from performing in China, citing his controversial behavior and the need to maintain order in the Chinese market.
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2019: Called for Donald Trump to "also let those kids out of cages"
In 2019, Justin Bieber opposed the Trump administration family separation policy, calling for Donald Trump to "also let those kids out of cages".
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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 of the alleged incident.
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December 2020: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act signed into law
In December 2020, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, was signed into law by then-President Donald Trump as part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
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2021: Bieber's Scenes Removed from Friends Reunion in China
In 2021, Chinese streaming platforms Youku, iQIYI, and Tencent Video removed Justin Bieber's scenes from Friends: The Reunion, where he donned Ross Geller's "Spudnik" costume.
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2021: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act signed into law
In 2021, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, was signed into law by then-President Donald Trump as part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.
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2022: Expressed disapproval of Roe v. Wade being overturned
In 2022, amidst Roe v. Wade being overturned, both Justin Bieber and his wife expressed disapproval, with Bieber posting on his Instagram story stating "For what it's worth, I think women should have the choice what to do with their own bodies."
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