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 singer who achieved global fame in the late 2000s. His debut EP, *My World* (2009), launched him into the spotlight and solidified his status as a teen idol. He remains a prominent figure in contemporary popular music.

Sections (7)

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

2011: Opposition to Commercial Felony Streaming Act

In 2011, Justin Bieber opposed Bill S.978, also known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, and stated that the bill's sponsor, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, "needs to be locked up, put away in cuffs!"

2012: Reckless Driving Accusation

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

February 9, 2013: Saturday Night Live Hosting

On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber hosted and performed as the musical guest on "Saturday Night Live". His appearance was negatively received by critics and cast members.

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April 2013: Anne Frank House Guestbook Controversy

In April 2013, Justin Bieber received criticism for writing in the Anne Frank House guestbook, "Hopefully she would have been a belieber."

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, was leaked online, drawing criticism.

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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: Involvement in Controversial Events

In 2013, Justin Bieber's public image was significantly affected by his involvement in several controversial events, including abandoning his pet monkey, urinating in a bucket, and allegedly assaulting his bodyguard.

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 was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the headline "Bad Boy", reflecting his controversial behavior during that period.

June 2014: Racist Joke Video Surfaces

In June 2014, a video emerged of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a racist joke, using a racial slur. A second video showed him singing his song "One Less Lonely Girl" with the lyric changed to a racial slur, followed by a statement suggesting association with the KKK. He apologized when the latter was released.

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July 9, 2014: Charged with Vandalism

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: DUI Case Settlement

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, was fined, and sentenced to anger management and a drunken driving program, also contributing to a children's 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 his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, after a collision between a minivan and Bieber's all-terrain vehicle. He was released shortly and his lawyer blamed the incident on "the unwelcome presence of paparazzi".

2014: Run-ins with the Law

Before his first arrest in 2014, Justin Bieber had several run-ins with the law around the world.

July 2017: Chinese government bans Justin Bieber

In July 2017, the Chinese government banned Justin Bieber from performing in China, citing that he is a "controversial young foreign singer" and that allowing him to perform would not "maintain order in the Chinese market and purify the Chinese performance environment."

2021: Streaming sites remove Bieber's scenes in Friends: The Reunion

In 2021, Chinese streaming sites Youku, iQIYI, and Tencent Video removed Justin Bieber's scenes in Friends: The Reunion where he was wearing Ross Geller's "Spudnik" costume.

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