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 songwriter recognized as a pop icon. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun and Usher, who subsequently signed him to RBMG Records, Bieber gained international recognition with his debut EP, My World (2009), establishing him as a teen idol. He is known for his performances across multiple genres.

Sections (7)

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

2010: Criticism for Looking and Sounding Younger

In 2010, Justin Bieber faced criticism for his youthful appearance and voice, being perceived as younger than his actual age.

2011: Opposition to the Commercial Felony Streaming Act

In 2011, Justin Bieber opposed Bill S.978, known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, stating that Amy Klobuchar "needs to be locked up, put away in cuffs!"

2011: Views on Sex and Abortion

In 2011, Justin Bieber told Rolling Stone magazine that he believes sex should be reserved for love and expressed his opposition to abortion.

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

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

April 2013: Controversy over Anne Frank House guestbook message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber faced criticism for writing a message in the guestbook at the Anne Frank House, leading to widespread discussion on social media about perceived insensitivity.

August 2013: Leak of "Slave to the Rhythm" remix

In August 2013, a remixed duet version of Michael Jackson's unreleased song "Slave to the Rhythm", featuring Justin Bieber, leaked online, causing controversy.

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November 9, 2013: Ordered to appear in Argentina court

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

2013: Bieber addresses black culture influence

In 2013, Justin Bieber addressed his influences from black culture, stating that he neither thought of it as black or white nor tried to act or pose in a certain way, considering it a lifestyle.

2013: Controversial Events Impact Image

In 2013, Justin Bieber's image was drastically affected by his involvement in several controversial events, including abandoning his pet monkey, vomiting onstage, urinating in a bucket, and other incidents.

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 appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine with the title 'Bad Boy', reflecting his involvement in several controversial events.

June 2014: Videos with racial slurs emerge

In June 2014, a video emerged of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke about black people using a racial slur. In the same month, a second video showed him singing his song "One Less Lonely Girl" but parodying the lyrics with a racial slur. He apologized for the latter on the day it was released.

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July 9, 2014: Charged with vandalism for egg-throwing incident

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: Plea bargain in DUI case

On August 13, 2014, Justin Bieber's January DUI case was settled with a plea bargain, where he pleaded guilty to resisting an officer and driving without due care. He was fined and sentenced to anger management and a drunken driving impact program and made a donation to Our Kids.

September 1, 2014: Arrested for assault and dangerous driving near Stratford

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 his all-terrain vehicle on August 29.

2014: Several run-ins with the law

Prior to his first arrest in 2014, Justin Bieber had several run-ins with the law around the world, including accusations of reckless driving in 2012 and vandalism charges in Brazil in 2013.

July 2017: Chinese Government Bans Justin Bieber

In July 2017, the Chinese government banned Justin Bieber from performing in China due to his controversial behavior, citing the need to maintain order and purify the performance environment.

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".

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. The bill was previously opposed by Justin Bieber in 2011.

January 2021: Reflection on 2014 Arrest

In January 2021, Justin Bieber reflected on his 2014 arrest, describing it as "not [his] finest hour" and encouraging fans to embrace forgiveness.

2021: Chinese 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 wore Ross Geller's "Spudnik" costume.

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2021: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act included in appropriations

In 2021, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act was part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act.

2022: Disapproval of Roe v. Wade Overturning

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