Justin Bieber’s troubled past is coming back to haunt him. The Sorry singer has been banned from China, leaving fans worried about the fate of his Purpose World Tour which is scheduled to visit Asia later in 2017.
Bringing the epic world tour to a close, Bieber, 23, is set to launch the final leg this September beginning in Tokyo, Japan. The Canadian pop star will perform shows in Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia but fans in Beijing are set for disappointment.
It is said that Bieber’s formerly bad behaviour, which includes an arrest in Miami, is the reason for the ban.
Explaining their decision to slap the prohibition on the musician, Beijing’s culture bureau said in a statement: “Justin Bieber is a talented singer but also a controversial young foreign singer.
“It is understood that as a public figure, he has had a series of bad behaviour both in his social life overseas and during a previous performance in China which have caused public discontent. To regulate the domestic entertainment market and purify its environment, it is not appropriate to bring in performers with bad behaviour.”
Although they did not specify which previous incidences influenced their decision, it is possible Bieber’s 2013 visit was a contributing factor. Visiting China on another world tour, the pop star sparked controversy when he was pictured being carried along the Great Wall Of China by his bodyguards.
In 2014, the Love Yourself singer was arrested after drag racing in Miami Beach while he was also involved in a legal dispute for egging a neighbour’s house.
However, Bieber has become a redemption story due to his efforts in leading a trouble-free life in recent years. In a recent Instagram post, the chart-topping singer reflected on his overnight jail stint, telling his followers: “Jailsnotacoolplacetobe, #notfun #neveragain.”
Also explaining the meaning behind a new leg tattoo, Bieber said: “I look back at a lot of things in my life, mistakes, insecurities, and although I have felt I’ve wasted a lot of time it also makes me want to be better faster! For me personally I want to work everyday to be BETTER AT 70.”
Bieber’s Purpose World Tour resumes on 29 July at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.