At 19, Justin Bieber is one of the world’s most popular pop stars – with an estimated net-worth of $130 million, according to news reports. Unfortunately, the baby-faced crooner’s reputation has taken a major hit based on a number of recent run-ins which will keep Bieber in and out of court and off the stage for the foreseeable future.
While he might be going for a “rebellious” bad boy image, fan sites and the blogosphere are throwing stones at the pop star.
But Bieber’s troubles have just begun and his behavior could have dire consequences as he is also facing possible deportation and awaiting a statement from the White House to determine his fate. You know things are bad when the leader of the Free World has a file on his desk with your name on it.
The singer, who was born in London, Ontario, currently resides mostly in Calabasas, California.
Timeline of Bieber’s latest legal troubles:
- December 30, 2013 – Limo Driver Assault, Toronto
The CBC reports that Bieber agreed to turn himself in to Toronto police based on charges that “…stem from an altercation between a limo driver and a passenger in the early morning hours of Monday, Dec. 30, after a group of six people was picked up outside a nightclub…” Police said one of the passengers hit the limo driver in the head several times during the altercation. The driver stopped and called police, but the passenger left the scene before police arrived.
- January 9, 2014 – Egging Incident, Calabasas, California
Bieber is accused of egging his neighbor’s house in Calabasas, CA and causing several hundred dollars in damages. According to the Inquisitor, the “…19-year-old’s neighbor alleges he and his 13-year-old daughter witnessed the Canadian pelting eggs at their home on January 9, allegedly causing $20,000 in damages because of pricey materials used in house features.” Now the D.A. must determine if the alleged vandalism is a felony or misdemeanor as California vandalism law holds that $400 worth of damages can be a considered a felony.
- January 23, 2014 – Drag Racing in Miami, Florida
Bieber was arrested on January 23 for allegedly driving under the influence and drag racing down Miami neighborhoods at speeds up to 136 mph, according to the Daily Mail.
- January 31, 2014 – Flight Attendant Abuse/Smoking Marijuana on Flight to Super Bowl
According to NBC News, Bieber and his dad, Jeremy Bieber, were “extremely abusive” to a flight attendant during a flight from Canada to New Jersey on January 31. In addition, the incident report stated that the duo and their entourage were smoking pot and “…The smoke emitting from marijuana was so intense that the pilots were forced to wear oxygen masks,” NBC news reports. The captain also stated that he warned the passengers, including Bieber, on several occasions to stop smoking marijuana,” the official report noted. The Calgary Herald reported that “U.S. Federal Aviation Authority… are conducting an investigation …The FAA will then present its findings to legal counsel who will decide if Bieber should be prosecuted.”
- February 10, 2014 – Michelle Obama’s Response to Univision Interview
Responding to the recent bout of Bieber antics, E! Online reported that first lady, Michelle Obama, told Univision Radio host Enrique Santo, “I would pull him close,” said the First Lady.
- February 10, 2014 – Deportation Petition
E! Online reports that “A petition to deport the Canadian singer and revoke his green card has received more than 250,000 signatures since Jan. 23, requiring an official response from the Oval Office.”
Despite his recent troubles, I’ve got to admit, I’m still a Belieber. With legal woes mounting across several jurisdictions, now is a perfect time for reputation repair and an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Britney Spears and other icons who were able to resume a successful music career with a combination of sobriety and smarter choices.
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