Bieber Offends Argentinian Fans & Apologizes

It appears that nowadays Justin Bieber can’t win for losing in South America. The 19-year-old superstar often tries to adopt some of the tough “gangsta” rapper image by tattooing himself, wearing big rim caps tilted to the side, and partying with rappers. This is followed by his quasi-thug behavior of spray painting graffiti on walls. The latter offended fans in both Columbia and Brazil recently. Now, Bieber has put off fans in Argentina by disrespecting their flag.

However, this time around the offense is appears to be the result of a misunderstanding. While performing on stage before a crowd in Argentina, fans tossed the country’s flag onto the stage. The expectation was that Bieber would pick it up and proudly display it before the audience. Bieber believed the items were shirts and in a precautionary effort to clear the stage, kicked one off with his foot and removed the other with the microphone stand.

That touched off a wave of criticism which he quickly addressed via tweets stating that his crew insist the items were not flags, but shirts. He also added that he would never show disrespect to the Argentinian flag. Lastly, he apologized to those who were offended. In Argentina, disrespecting the flag, which doesn’t include tossing it like a rag onto a concert stage, carries a maximum four year prison sentence.

“it was a shirt. Im being told by my team it was a shirt but even if it was a flag I would never do anything to disrespect Argentina,” read one tweet, followed by “or the people of Argentina or the fans. Im so sorry for anyone who took my actions the wrong way and I hope you can forgive this mistake.”

And finally, “so once again to the people of Argentina. Im sorry if that was taken the wrong way and im sorry for my mistake. I hope u can accept this.”

On the Web:
Justin Bieber apologizes after kicking Argentine flag

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/11/14/justin-bieber-apologizes-after-kicking-argentine-flag/3530339/