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 rose to fame as a teen idol after being discovered by Scooter Braun and Usher. Braun signed him to RBMG Records in 2008. Bieber gained international recognition with his debut EP, My World (2009). Bieber is considered a pop icon known for his multi-genre musical performances.

Sections (7)

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

2010: Criticism for Looking Younger

In 2010, Justin Bieber was frequently criticized for looking and sounding younger than his age.

2011: Androgynous Appearance and Media Attention

In 2011, Justin Bieber received criticism for an androgynous appearance, notably on the cover of LOVE magazine's androgyny issue, drawing media attention, particularly for his signature wings hairstyle.

2011: Opposed 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, which would have made unauthorized streaming a felony instead of a misdemeanor.

2012: Controversial Claim About Indigenous Ancestry

In 2012, Justin Bieber claimed he was "part Indian," specifically "Inuit or something?," asserting that he was eligible for free gas in Canada. This sparked criticism from the Canadian Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

2012: Accusation of reckless driving

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

February 9, 2013: Saturday Night Live hosting and musical guest appearance

On February 9, 2013, Justin Bieber hosted and was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. However, his appearance was panned by critics and cast members.

Loading Video...

April 2013: Criticism for Anne Frank House Guestbook Message

In April 2013, Justin Bieber faced widespread criticism for writing a message in the Anne Frank House guestbook, expressing his hope that Anne would have been a "belieber."

August 2013: Leak of remix of Michael Jackson's 'Slave to the Rhythm'

In mid-August 2013, a remixed duet version of Michael Jackson's previously unreleased song "Slave to the Rhythm", featuring Justin Bieber, leaked online, leading to criticism and attempts by the Michael Jackson Estate to remove it from websites.

Loading Video...

November 9, 2013: Alleged Assault on a photographer

On November 9, 2013, Justin Bieber allegedly assaulted a photographer.

December 2013: Incident with Limousine Driver

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

2013: Influenced by Black Culture

In 2013, Justin Bieber stated he was "very influenced by black culture" but did not see it as black or white, viewing it as a lifestyle with a "suaveness or a swag".

2013: Vandalism Charge in Brazil

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

2013: Controversial Events and Image Change

In 2013, Justin Bieber's teen heart-throb image was drastically affected due to his involvement in several controversial events, including abandoning a pet monkey, urinating in a bucket, and allegedly assaulting his bodyguard.

January 23, 2014: Arrest in Miami Beach for DUI

On January 23, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami Beach, Florida, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), driving with an expired license, and resisting arrest. A toxicology report revealed the presence of THC and Xanax in his system at the time.

March 2014: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident

In March 2014, Justin Bieber was alleged to have engaged in non-consensual sexual acts at a Four Seasons hotel in Austin, Texas, by a woman known pseudonymously as "Danielle".

March 2014: "Bad Boy" Rolling Stone Cover

In March 2014, Rolling Stone featured Justin Bieber on its cover with the title "Bad Boy", reflecting his controversial behavior during that period. The same year, Bieber adopted the pseudonym "Bizzle".

June 2014: Emergence of Racist Joke Videos

In June 2014, two videos surfaced showing a 15-year-old Justin Bieber telling racist jokes. He apologized the day the second video was released.

July 9, 2014: Sentencing for Vandalism Charge

On July 9, 2014, Justin Bieber was sentenced for the vandalism charge in California for throwing eggs at his neighbor's house. The Los Angeles County Superior Court ordered him to pay $80,900 in restitution, serve two years' probation, complete anger management, and community service.

August 13, 2014: Settlement of January 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. He was fined and sentenced to anger management and a program on the impact of drunken driving, and made a contribution to Our Kids charity.

September 1, 2014: Arrest for Assault and Dangerous Driving

On September 1, 2014, Justin Bieber was arrested and charged with assault and dangerous driving near Stratford, Ontario, after a collision between his ATV and a minivan. He was released shortly after the incident.

November 2014: Ordered to Appear in Argentina Court

In November 2014, Justin Bieber was ordered to appear in a Buenos Aires court within 60 days to give testimony on an alleged assault on a photographer in November 2013.

March 2015: Comedy Central Roast and Lip Sync Battle

In March 2015, Justin Bieber was the featured roastee in Comedy Central's annual roast special and a contestant on the reality competition series Lip Sync Battle.

April 2015: Bodyguards Released in Argentina

In April 2015, two of Justin Bieber's bodyguards were released in Argentina related to an alleged assault on a photographer. This occurred after Justin Bieber failed to appear in court as ordered in November 2014, leading to an arrest warrant.

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.

2019: Opposed Trump Administration Family Separation Policy

In 2019, Justin Bieber opposed the Trump administration family separation policy, calling for Donald Trump to "also let those kids out of cages".

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.

December 2020: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act Signed Into Law

In December 2020, the Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, initially opposed by Justin Bieber in 2011, was signed into law by then-President Donald Trump as part of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.

2021: Removal of Bieber's Scenes in 'Friends: The Reunion'

In 2021, Chinese streaming sites removed Justin Bieber's scenes from 'Friends: The Reunion'.

Loading Video...

2021: Protecting Lawful Streaming Act Signed Into Law

2022: Expressed Disapproval of Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In 2022, amidst Roe v. Wade being overturned, both Justin Bieber and his wife expressed disapproval, with Bieber stating "For what it's worth, I think women should have the choice what to do with their own bodies."