It’s not uncommon for musical performers to be bombarded with tossed flowers, teddy bears, signs, and maybe some unmentionable undergarments from audience members during concerts. The display, while can be hazardous, is simply a means by fans who want to give something back as a trinket of their adoration.
However, some artists may not be too thrilled about what they receive. Even if it is something harmless as, let’s say, a country’s flag.
Usually, when flags of countries are tossed to performers the performer tends to raise the flag to pay respect for the country’s civilians who are hosting them. Not for Canadian singer Justin Bieber who showed his respect for the country in Buenos Aires by treating the country’s flags as if they were mere dirty rags.
Recent video has been released from a performance on Saturday night showing Bieber disrespecting the country by kicking with his feet and then “sweeping” with his microphone stand two Argentine flags off the stage after they were thrown to him by fans. With the flags disposed, Bieber ended his song amongst cheers and some boos from the audience.
On Twitter, Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, Bieber will eventually be back in Argentina, a decision that may have to be looked into. According to one of the penal codes in the country public defection of the national flag, its national anthem, or any provincial symbol can result in a prison sentence from 1 to 4 years.
In response to the controversy, Bieber has taken to his Twitter tweeting several messages stating “ heard about what is going on with me down in Argentina and im shocked. I love Argentina and have had some of the best shows of my tour there,”
Bieber goes on to state that he discarded the items because “people throw stuff on my stage all show and i get it to the stage hands to get off so no one got hurt. that video i saw a bra and thought…it was a shirt. Im being told by my team it was a shirt,” shirt or bra, Bieber then states “but even if it was a flag I would never do anything to disrespect Argentina…” seeming really apologetic.
The Canadian singer has earned quite a bad reputation with the South American leg of his “Believe Tour”.
In the past, Bieber had walked off the stage in Argentina claiming it to be the result of food poisoning and in Brazil he walked off after being struck by a bottle.
Also, the Brazilian police tried unsuccessfully to question Bieber about allegations that he had defaced a public building with graffiti, which is a crime and could mean a year in prison. But the defacing accusation is just one controversy to come out of Brazil.
A few days ago a video was released that showed a sleeping Bieber who was being recorded by 27-year-old Tati Neves who was at first reported to have been a prostitute. However, according to TMZ Bieber’s management have stated that Neves is not a prostitute but someone the star met at an after party he held after a show in Brazil.
Whatever controversy the star attracts, he has come out and apologized for the Argentine flag incident, repeatedly reminding his fans that “Im sorry if that was taken the wrong way and im sorry for my mistake. I hope u can accept this… I would never do anything to disrespect my fans. I dont like having to defend myself but this time it was needed as I mean no disrespect… so it is all love all around the world. Thanks.”
