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 known for his genre-bending music. Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun, he was signed to RBMG Records, a label formed by Braun and Usher. Bieber's debut EP, *My World* (2009), achieved international success and launched him into teen idol status.

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 faced criticism for appearing and sounding younger than his actual age, drawing attention to his youthful image in the media.

2011: Views on Sexual Abstinence and Abortion

In 2011, Justin Bieber shared his views on sexual abstinence and abortion, stating he doesn't think one should have sex without love and expressing his opposition to abortion, considering it "like killing a baby".

2011: Opposition to the Commercial Felony Streaming Act

In 2011, Justin Bieber was among the content creators opposing Bill S.978, also known as the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, stating that U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar "needs to be locked up, put away in cuffs!"

2011: Criticized for an androgynous appearance, including his appearance on the cover of LOVE magazine's androgyny issue.

In 2011, Justin Bieber was criticized for his androgynous appearance, particularly highlighted by his appearance on the cover of LOVE magazine's androgyny issue, which drew considerable media attention.

2012: Controversial Claim About Indigenous Ancestry

In 2012, Justin Bieber claimed to be "part Indian...Inuit or something", sparking criticism from the Canadian Congress of Aboriginal Peoples for perpetuating misconceptions about Indigenous people receiving free gasoline from the Canadian government.

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

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

April 2013: Criticism for Anne Frank House Guestbook Message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber received widespread criticism for writing a message in the Anne Frank House guestbook that read, "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 previously unreleased song "Slave to the Rhythm", featuring Justin Bieber, leaked online, causing controversy and prompting the Michael Jackson Estate to attempt to remove the song from various websites.

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November 9, 2013: Alleged assault on a photographer in Argentina

On November 9, 2013, Justin Bieber allegedly assaulted a photographer in Argentina, leading to legal consequences later on.

December 2013: Incident with Limousine Driver

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

2013: Bieber stated he was "very influenced by black culture"

In 2013, Justin Bieber stated that he was "very influenced by black culture" but did not try to "act or pose in a certain way", describing it as a "lifestyle-like a suaveness or a swag".

2013: Charged with vandalism in Brazil

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

2013: Involvement in several controversial events.

In 2013, Justin Bieber was involved in numerous controversial events, drastically affecting his teen heartthrob 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. He admitted to consuming alcohol, smoking marijuana, and taking prescription drugs.

March 2014: Alleged sexual assault

In March 2014, Justin Bieber was accused of committing sexual assault in Austin, Texas at Four Seasons hotel.

March 2014: Featured on the cover of Rolling Stone as "Bad Boy".

In March 2014, Rolling Stone magazine featured Justin Bieber on its cover with the title "Bad Boy", reflecting his controversies.

June 2014: Videos with Racist Language Emerge

In June 2014, videos surfaced of a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling a joke using the word "nigger" and singing "One Less Lonely Girl" with altered racist lyrics. He apologized for his mistakes.

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July 9, 2014: Sentenced for Vandalism

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was sentenced to probation, restitution, anger management, and community service for throwing eggs at his neighbor's home in California in January 2014.

August 13, 2014: Settlement of DUI Case

On August 13, 2014, Justin Bieber settled his January 2014 DUI case with a plea bargain, pleading guilty to resisting an officer and driving without due care. He was fined, sentenced to anger management and a program on drunk driving's impact, and made a donation 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, following a collision between his ATV and a minivan on August 29, 2014. He allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with an occupant of the minivan.

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 testify on an alleged assault on a photographer in November 2013.

April 2015: Bodyguards released in Argentina

In April 2015, two of Justin Bieber's bodyguards were released in Argentina in connection to the alleged assault on a photographer on November 9, 2013, after Bieber 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.

June 2020: Sexual Assault Accusation

In June 2020, Justin Bieber was accused of sexual assault by a woman who claimed the incident occurred in March 2014. Bieber denied the allegations and provided evidence he was not at the location at the time.

2020: Addiction Struggles Revealed in 'Seasons'

In 2020, in his American YouTube docu-series Seasons, Justin Bieber opened up about his struggles with addiction, including consumption of lean, MDMA, and hallucinogenic mushrooms, during the early stages of his career.