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 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

2011: Opposition to Bill S.978

In 2011, Justin Bieber was among content creators opposing Bill S.978, also known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, which would have made unauthorized streaming a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

February 9, 2013: Saturday Night Live Appearance

On February 9, 2013, Bieber returned to Saturday Night Live as the host and musical guest. His appearance was poorly received by critics and cast members.

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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.

August 2013: Remix of Michael Jackson's "Slave to the Rhythm" Leaks Online

In August 2013, a remixed duet version of Michael Jackson's "Slave to the Rhythm", featuring Bieber, leaked online, generating criticism. The Michael Jackson Estate stated the release was unauthorized.

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.

March 2015: Appearances in Music Video and Comedy Central Roast

In March 2015, Bieber appeared in the music video for Carly Rae Jepsen's single "I Really Like You". Bieber was also the featured roastee in Comedy Central's annual roast special, and was a contestant on Lip Sync Battle.

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.

December 2020: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act

In December 2020, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, a bill that Justin Bieber had opposed in 2011, was signed into law as part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

2021: Removal from "Friends: The Reunion"

In 2021, Chinese streaming sites Youku, iQIYI, and Tencent Video removed Justin Bieber's scenes in Friends: The Reunion. However, both his past two albums Changes (2020) and Justice (2021) have been officially released in China, with Bieber seen promoting both albums on Chinese music platforms.

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2022: Disapproval of overturning Roe v. Wade

In 2022, amidst Roe v. Wade being overturned, Justin Bieber and his wife expressed their disapproval, with Bieber stating on his Instagram story that women should have the choice what to do with their own bodies.