Justin Bieber didn’t just grow up in the spotlight—he basically lived under a microscope. From the moment he burst onto the scene as a teenage heartthrob, every move he made (good, bad, and chaotic) was headline-worthy. While most teens get to mess up in private, Justin’s growing pains played out in front of millions—and earned him a full-on bad boy reputation.
From wild outbursts and legal run-ins to viral meltdowns and drug rumors, Bieber’s name has been tied to drama for over a decade. Even after settling down with wife and skincare queen Hailey Bieber, the famous star still finds himself caught up in controversy (and never-ending drama with his ex, Selena Gomez).
He’s said sorry (sometimes), doubled down (other times), but the internet never forgets—and neither do the paparazzi. Ready to relive the chaos? Here’s a full timeline of Justin Bieber’s most iconic scandals and jaw-dropping controversies. Prepare yourselves, Pop Tellers: this one’s messy.
A Timeline of Justin Bieber’s Controversies
Jump to:
- The N-Word Fiasco
- Views on Abortion
- Late Arrival to Concert
- The Anne Frank Joke
- Lash Out at Paps
- Peeing in Bucket
- Spitting on Fans
- Great Wall of China Drama
- His Arrest
- The Michael Jackson Comparison
- Private Jet Searched
- Disrespects a Japanese Shrine
- Eggs Neighbor’s House
- Cheating Allegations
- Leaving Stage Mid-Show
- Punching a Fan
- Hitting Paparazzi
- Cancelling Tour
- Lyme Disease Diagnosis
- Emotional Interview
- Cultural Appropriation
- Fires Manager Scooter Braun
- Unfollows Hailey
- Drug Use Allegations
- Instagram Live Meltdown
- Selena Gomez Meme
- Hailey Gets Help
- Paparazzi Confrontation
- Statement on Diddy
- Comments on Hailey’s Vogue
Bieber Uses the N-Word
2011
This has got to be one of Justin’s worst moments and one he won’t ever live down. In 2014, two videos leaked of the star using racial slurs and language. The scandalous clips from five years prior showed a young Bieber telling a racist joke and singing a racist parody of One Less Lonely Girl. The parody heard the singer using the N-word and making references to the KKK.
“I’m very sorry,” Justin said in a statement to the Associated Press at the time. “I take all my friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize for offending or hurting anyone with my childish and inexcusable behavior.”
Justin Shares his Views on Abortion
February 2011
When 16-year-old Bieber was asked about his stance on abortion by Rolling Stone, he replied, “I really don’t believe in abortion. It’s like killing a baby.” The comment didn’t bode too well with fans and it got worse when he was asked about abortion and rape. Justin said, “Um. Well, I think that’s really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I don’t know how that would be a reason. I guess I haven’t been in that position, so I wouldn’t be able to judge that.”
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Bieber Arrives Late to His Concert
March 2013
When Bieber turned up an alleged ‘two hours’ late to his London show in 2013, fans were left furious. Hundreds of teenagers were forced to wait for Bieber to emerge on stage until 10pm on what was a school night. Following the backlash, Justin denied his tardiness and said he was only 40 minutes late due to “technical issues.”
He addressed his disappointed fans on Twitter, writing, “Last night I was scheduled after 3 opening acts to go on stage at 935 not 830 but because of some technical issues I got on at 10:10. There is no excuse and I apologise for anyone we upset. However it was great show and I’m proud of that.”
Justin Makes Awkward Anne Frank Joke
April 2013
Blame it on Bieber being crazy or just his sense of humor, but this particular incident was controversial indeed. While visiting Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam in 2013, the popstar made a bold statement about the historical figure. In the guestbook, Justin allegedly wrote, “Truly inspiring to be able to come here,” he penned. “Anne was a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber.”
This insensitive comment didn’t go down too well with the public, causing a fury of angry messages online claiming that the star turned a historical figure into a joke.
Bieber Lashes Out at London Pap
May 2013
This scandalous video was plastered all over the news in 2013. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, here’s a (not so) friendly reminder of Bieber’s altercation with a London pap. The singer was captured going for a photographer as he entered his vehicle in London. After hearing one of the paparazzos aggressively shouting at him (which sounded pretty rude TBH), Justin emerged from the car and lashed out, asking what the photog said, before proceeding with “I’ll beat the f**k out of you.”
Justin Pees in a Bucket
July 2013
I think this *might* explain why Bieber was once considered one of the rudest celebs… In 2013, a video leaked by TMZ showed the star urinating into a mop bucket at a restaurant, while shouting “Fu*k Bill Clinton.” Justin, 19 at the time, defended his shocking behavior by claiming it “wasn’t disrespectful” at all, and only done it because the bathrooms were on the other side of the restaurant. Boys will be boys, eh?
Bieber ‘Spits’ on His Fans
July 2013
Don’t get me wrong, Justin is generally nice to his fans, so it came as a surprise when he was captured spitting on a crowd of Beliebers. Back in 2013, the Justice star was pictured spitting off his apartment balcony in Toronto onto a crowd of fans. Honestly? Not so yummy! But hold up—the photos which were published by TMZ were said to be “edited” according to Bieber’s reps. So believe what you will…
Justin is ‘Carried’ Up the Great Wall of China
October 2013
Biebs took ‘privalaged popstar’ to a whole new level in 2013 when his bodyguards carried him up the stairs of the Great Wall of China. This offensive moment left fans disappointed, perceiving the star as a spoilt brat. Fast-forward to 2017, and it was reported that Justin was eventually banned from China.
At the time, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture said, “Justin Bieber is a talented singer but is also a controversial young foreign idol. We understand that there are records of his bad behavior, whether it is in his private life abroad or on stage…His inappropriate manner has caused public discontent. In order to regulate the market order of show business in China and purify the market environment, it was decided that performers of inappropriate behavior will not be welcomed.”
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Bieber is Arrested for DUI
January 2014
Justin Bieber isn’t the first celebrity to get arrested for a DUI, but this scandalous moment still left fans shook. In 2014, the singer was arrested on suspicion of DUI, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license after being caught street racing. Justin admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana consumption and prescription drugs, and pled guilty to careless driving and resisting arrest. He was made to take anger management courses and pay $50,000 in charitable contributions and fines.
Justin Compares Himself to Michael Jackson
January 2014
Whether you think Justin was being cocky or confident, this moment is still marked as one of his most controversial. It’s undeniable that Justin is a man of many talents, but people weren’t too pleased when he compared himself to pop legend, Michael Jackson. After his DUI arrest in 2014, Justin shared a side-by-side picture of himself and MJ with the caption “what more can they say.” The photo of MJ in question was during his 2004 child molestation case.
Bieber’s Jet is Searched for Marijuana
February 2014
After landing in New Jersey for Super Bowl celebrations in 2014, officers from the Drug Enforcement Agency rushed Bieber’s private jet. The pilots claimed there was a strong smell of marijuana onboard and were reportedly forced to wear oxygen masks because of the strong fumes. Beiber and co were interrogated for hours, sniffer dogs were let on board, but no illegal substances were found, allowing the Changes star to resume his planned celebrations.
Justin ‘Disrespects’ a Japanese Shrine
April 2014
During a trip to Japan in 2014, Justin visited the Yasukuni Shrine; a controversial monument which honors Japanese war criminals. Unfamiliar with this crucial part of history, Justin shared a photo of himself standing outside the historical building with the caption, “thank you for your blessings.”
After receiving floods of angry tweets from fans, Justin realized that the monument wasn’t actually a place of prayer, and apologized profusely for his mistake. “To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan,” he wrote.
Bieber Eggs his Neighbor’s House
November 2014
After Bieber’s neighbor, Jeffrey Schwartz, confronted him about his reckless driving in the residential neighborhood, Bieber retaliated by throwing eggs at his house. It was too late to say sorry once Schwartz pressed charges, and the young popstar was charged with vandalism. Bieber was faced with two years probation and an $89,000 bill to cover the cost of the damages.
Bieber is Accused of Cheating on Selena
August 2016
Justin’s dating life is always a hot topic, but it was especially hot during his relationship with fellow teen star, Selena Gomez. The famous couple couldn’t escape the headlines—or the cheating rumors throughout their on-off relationship, particularly in 2016, when Selena accused Bieber of “cheating multiple times.” Justin also dropped a bomb during the online feud by retaliating, saying Selena cheated on him with Zayn Malik….What a time to be alive.
Justin Walks Off Stage Mid-Show
October 2016
In yet another of his controversies, Bieber stormed off stage after asking the crowd to stop screaming. Overwhelmed by the noise during the gaps between songs, Justin told the crowd during his Manchester show in 2016, “I appreciate all the support, I appreciate love I appreciate the kind things. But the screaming in these breaks has got to stop. Please and thank you. I don’t think it’s necessary when I’m trying to say something and you guys are screaming.”
When the crowd continued to scream, Justin dropped his mic and left the stage, leaving everyone booing the star. He soon returned to continue the show.
Bieber Punches a Fan in the Face
November 2016
In what is one of Justin Bieber’s biggest controversies, the star was videoed punching a fan in the face. During his trip to Barcelona, the singer was ambushed by fans during a car ride when one fan forced his hand through the window and touched the star’s face. Justin retaliated by using his fist, leaving the fan bloody. Of course, using violence is never cool, but can we all agree Justin had a right to defend himself?
Bieber Hits a Paparazzo With His Car
July 2017
While most celebrities learn to cope with paparazzi, Justin Bieber just can’t do it—but can you blame him?
In 2017, the frustrated singer mistakenly struck a photographer with his truck, after leaving church in Beverly Hills. When the cameramen ambushed Bieber’s car “like a mob scene,” the singer accidentally ran over one of the men’s legs as he accelerated. The victim got away without any life-threatening injuries, but needed immediate medical attention. Naturally, photos of the shocking incident were plastered all over the internet.
Justin Cancels his ‘Purpose Tour’
August 2017
In 2017, Bieber abruptly canceled the remaining dates of his Purpose world tour, citing the need for rest and spiritual growth. After 154 stadium shows, he explained to his let-down fans that he wanted his “mind, heart, and soul to be sustainable” and needed to prioritize his well-being by “resting.”
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Bieber Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis
January 2020
Not so much a ‘scandal,’ but certainly a moment in Justin’s career that grabbed headlines. In 2020, Bieber revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which had caused various health issues, including depression and fatigue.
On his Instagram page, the hitmaker acknowledged that people thought he looked like he was “on meth,” but “they failed to realize I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, not only that but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.”
Bieber Breaks Down in Zane Lowe Interview
February 2020
During a 2020 interview with Zane Lowe, Bieber tearfully discussed the pressures of fame and his desire to protect younger artists like Billie Eilish. Seeing the artist so tearful and emotional really made the haters see him in another light.
Breaking down, the singer told Lowe, “I just wanted to be a good example…I definitely feel protective of her [Billie Eilish]…It was hard for me, being that young and being in the industry and not knowing where to turn. And everyone, you know, telling me they loved me and, you know, just turning their back on you in a second. So it’s hard because I want her to know that she can count on me.”
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Justin is Called Out for Cultural Appropriation
April 2021
Justin debuted a controversial hairstyle in 2021 that really got the people talking. After the singer showed-off his dreadlocks in an IG photo, fans immediately called him out for ‘cultural appropriation,’ leaving comments such as, “J, please educate yourself on culture [sic] appropriation’…. You shouldn’t be wearing dreads…” and “This is cultural appropriation… I know you can do better.”
This hairstyle heightened fans’ anger even more considering Justin had been such a positive advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Bieber Splits from Manager Scooter Braun
August 2023
After years of collaboration, Bieber parted ways with (or shall I say “fired”) his longtime manager Scooter Braun in 2023. “Justin has officially let Scooter go as his manager,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly, adding that Hailey Bieber was the one to convince Justin “to leave him for another manager.”
The Biebers Unfollow Each Other on IG
Jan/March 2025
It’s no secret that most of Justin Bieber’s controversies surround his relationships. In early 2025, the internet almost broke when fans noticed that Bieber had unfollowed his wife, Hailey, on Instagram.
He quickly refollowed her and claimed that someone had accessed his account without permission: “Sh*t is getting suss out here,” he wrote on his Story. Come March, and the tables turned when Hailey was later accused of unfollowing Justin. Apparently, it was a “glitch,” as she explained in a TikTok comment.
Justin is Accused of Using Drugs Again
February 2025
Another controversial moment caught on camera was when Bieber was captured smiling “strangely” and rocking side-to-side at his wife’s Rhode pop-up event. The incident in 2025 led to fans expressing concern for his well-being. Observers immediately blamed Bieber’s strange behavior on “drugs,” especially as he had also been seen leaving a “smoke-filled van” on the same night.
Bieber has an Instagram Live Meltdown
March 2025
Fans accused Bieber of “crashing out” during a live Instagram session in March, where the star was seen acting chaotic and erratic while listening to music. The controversial clips went viral, prompting many to raise concern over Justin’s mental health. What’s crazy is that some fans even blamed Bieber’s “crash out” on hearing about Selena Gomez’s engagement to Benny Blanco.
Justin Shares Selena Gomez Meme
April 2025
Bieber landed himself in hot water earlier this year when he shared a meme featuring Gollum from The Lord of the Rings admiring a ring, with the caption, “Girls on social media when they get engaged.” Fans immediately interpreted as a jab at his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez’s engagement to Benny Blanco.
Hailey Bieber Seeks Help for Justin
April 2025
Following a string of Bieber’s wild antics in 2025, reports emerged in April that Hailey was seeking professional help for Justin due to his “alarming” behavior. Sources indicated that she was deeply concerned about his mental health and was taking steps to support him after she noticed his “manic” behavior and his eating and sleeping struggles.
Bieber has Another Paparazzi Confrontation
April 2025
If there’s one celebrity who’s tired of those pesky paps, it’s Bieber. In April 2025, the artist was once again videoed having a heated exchange with photographers, this time in Palm Springs on his way to Coachella.
Bieber was captured going off on the cameramen, calling them “money hungry” while covering his face and doing money gestures. The scandal circulated on social media, leaving many to assume Justin was having a breakdown. But honestly? He’s not wrong. Those paparazzi were being invasive AF.
Justin Denies Being Diddy’s ‘Victim’
May 2025
Amid the growing allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, Justin Bieber released a statement clarifying that he is “not a victim” in the case. Speculation had swirled ever since old photos of the two resurfaced, with fans assuming Bieber may have been one of Diddy’s victims—especially during his early rise to fame. However, Bieber shut down the rumors, emphasizing that “shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve.”
Bieber Makes ‘Rude’ Comments About Hailey
May 2025
After Hailey Bieber landed a Vogue cover in May, Justin shared a post recalling a past argument where he told her she would never be on the magazine’s cover. “Yo this reminds me when Hailey and I got into a huge fight. I told hails that she would never be on the cover of vogue,” he wrote.
“Yikes I know, so mean…So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t get a vogue cover cuz clearly i was sadly mistaken,” the 31-year-old concluded. Yeah, this is one of those stories you could have kept to yourself, Biebs. Good job he changed the caption afterward…
Woah! His journey has been anything but boring. From rebellious teen to reformed husband, Justin Bieber’s had his fair share of controversies—and whether you love him or hate him, you just can’t look away.
Though he’s clearly evolved, the drama still seems to follow. One thing’s for sure: when it comes to Bieber, the scandals never really stop—they just get rebranded.
Originally published January 2020.
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