Justin Bieber Apologizes for Sweeping Argentine Flag Offstage: "I Saw a Bra and Thought It Was a Shirt"

Singer says he would "never do anything" to respect his fans in the South American nation

By Zach Johnson Nov 14, 2013 11:58 AMTags
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Things are continuing to go south for Justin Bieber during the South American leg of his Believe tour. The 19-year-old pop star outraged his Argentinean fans after a video surfaced which showed him disrespecting two national flags during his concert on Saturday, Nov. 9. In the clip, the "Bad Day" singer—who was ill earlier that night—used his shoes and then a microphone stand to sweep them offstage.

After the video went viral, Bieber decided to address the incident via Twitter on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

"Heard about what is going on with me down in Argentina and I'm shocked. I love Argentina and have had some of the best shows of my tour there," he told his nearly 47 million followers. "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. I'm being told by my team it was a shirt but even if it was a flag I would never do anything to disrespect Argentina or the people of Argentina or the fans. I'm so sorry for anyone who took my actions the wrong way and I hope you can forgive this mistake."

He continued, "So once again to the people of Argentina, I'm sorry if that was taken the wrong way and I'm sorry for my mistake. I hope u can accept this. And I loved my time there performing for you and look forward to coming back. I gave my all and I know the fans did there too. Te amo. I would never do anything to disrespect my fans. I don't 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," he concluded. "And to all the beliebers ALL AROUND THE WORLD. I love you and thank you for always standing by me. Much Love to Everyone. Thanks."

Desecrating the flag in Argentina is a crime punishable by one to four years in prison.