Argentina is Not the Only Country That Banned Justin Bieber after He Defiled Their National Flag
Justin Bieber is no stranger to controversy, but some of his most outrageous antics have gotten him banned from entire countries. The pop superstar has repeatedly offended locals and defied cultural norms during his global travels over the years. From Argentina to China, here are five times Bieber’s bad behavior abroad got him blacklisted.
1. Argentina
As per Nicki Swift, arguably one of the most infamous Justin Bieber bans happened in Argentina. During his 2013 Believe tour, he walked off stage mid-concert and allegedly unleashed a bodyguard on a photographer, prompting a warrant for his arrest. The warrant was dismissed, but Argentina said “Sorry” wasn’t good enough when Bieber tried to return in 2016.
Bieber also notoriously defiled the Argentine flag on stage, offending fans. This disrespect, paired with his alleged assault of a photographer, made Bieber persona non grata in Argentina.
2. Middle East
Bieber’s Purpose album cover received backlash across the Middle East and Indonesia. The shirtless photo displaying his cross tattoo was deemed too provocative for those markets. Bieber’s team rushed to create an alternate, more modest cover, but it did little good. The album was rejected by multiple Middle Eastern countries.
3. UK TV Commercials
In 2012, Bieber shot ads for Proactiv skincare to air in the UK. However, the British version of Proactiv doesn’t contain the same active ingredients as the US formula Bieber claimed to use. Citing misleading claims, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority pulled the commercials, banning Bieber’s Proactiv ads in Britain.
4. Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving
According to staff, Bieber and his entourage trashed a Las Vegas indoor skydiving facility after-hours in 2013. Rather than pay the $1,600 bill, Bieber allegedly promised the business an Instagram shoutout instead. But Bieber never followed through on the promised post either. The facility banned the pop star for his disrespectful behavior and refusal to pay.
5. China
Bieber’s antics along the Great Wall of China, including being carried on bodyguards’ shoulders, were cited when China banned him from the mainland in 2017. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture claimed Bieber had “caused public resentment” through his “bad behavior” in China and abroad. They viewed the ban as “purifying” Chinese entertainment.
Bieber’s knack for offending locals has made him unwelcome in many places. But the pop icon’s popularity ensures his tours continue selling out, even with entire nations off limits.
