Justin Bieber was caught in another controversy after he accidentally ran over a male photographer outside Saban Theater on Wednesday. According to earlier reports, the Canadian singer was leaving after a church event and throngs of paparazzi were waiting outside the venue in the hopes of getting an official statement from him about canceling his "Purpose" world tour.
Inside Bieber's car collision with paparazzo
The "Love Yourself" artist was behind the wheel when the right side of his monster truck hit and injured the paparazzo, who was heard screaming in the actual video footage captured during the incident. Justin Bieber immediately jumped out from his truck to check the condition of the photographer.
He even argued with other photographers and asked them for some space. TMZ noted that the pop singer stayed beside the injured party for about eight to ten minutes until the rescue team and police arrived at the scene. Justin Bieber was then questioned by the authorities before he was allowed to leave.
It was also reported that the "Cold Water" artist was not charged over the incident. Several photographers, who witnessed the whole incident, spoke to the police and reportedly defended the pop singer. Similarly, the injured paparazzo, Maurice Lamont, also came to his defense and explained what really happened.
In an Instagram post, the photographer said that Justin Bieber's pickup truck "was a little bit too big" and that "there's no way [that the singer] could see over the front." Lamont even shared that the accident took place the night before his birthday.
But despite having to celebrate his special day at the hospital, the photographer had nothing but kind words to say about the Canadian pop singer.
Lamont was also moved when Justin Bieber personally attended to him after the collision. "He got out, he was compassionate, he’s a good kid, accidents happen," he said.
Pop singer takes some time off from touring
The incident took place a few days after the 23-year-old singer canceled the remainder of his "Purpose" world tour after over a year of traveling to perform for his international fans. His statement cited "unforeseen circumstances" and refused to provide a specific reason for the announcement.
Justin Bieber also apologized to Beliebers for making them feel "disappointed and betrayed" over his decision to stop his third worldwide tour. The singer's "Purpose" world tour kicked off in the United States in March 2016. He was supposed to wrap up his concert series in Singapore on October 7.