Justin Bieber Throws Fiji Bottle at Paparazzi in Viral Video Causing a Divide Among Fans

Justin Bieber threw a water bottle at photographers outside a Los Angeles restaurant at the weekend, in an incident that has drawn a polarised response from fans online. The Baby singer, who has been vocal about his Christian faith in recent months, was with wife Hailey Bieber when the confrontation took place.

For many years, the singer attracted attention for a series of high-profile incidents. More recently, he has spoken openly about his faith and personal transformation, inspiring a renewed following in the process. An overnight change, however, is rarely straightforward for any public figure, and Bieber continues to make headlines for his confrontations with photographers.

A Sour End to the Biebers' Night Out

The Biebers had been out for dinner in Los Angeles when they were met by photographers upon leaving. Footage of the incident, which spread widely across social media, shows Bieber in his car before throwing a Fiji water bottle towards the waiting paparazzi. The bottle still contained water, which spilt across the car park floor on impact, but it did not strike anyone. Bieber did not make a public statement following the incident.

Netizens React to the Incident

Social media users were divided in their response to the footage. Many expressed sympathy for Bieber, arguing that years of near-constant photographer attention had justified his frustration. Others said the Biebers deserved to enjoy their dinner without being followed. However, some criticised the act as inconsistent with the faith-centred public image the singer has been cultivating.

'Good. Like let the man enjoy his food. Paparazzi needs to chill out,' one person wrote.

'Can't blame the kid!!' another commented.

'I'd hate not to be able to go eat without these vultures following me around every second,' a third wrote.

Good for him. Paparazzi are trash,' a fourth person commented.

'He's got serious issues! Justin Bieber needs to grow up! He's always out here preaching how God has changed his life. Such a fake just to gain relevance,' another wrote.

A History of Confrontations with Photographers

The weekend incident is the latest in a series of public confrontations Bieber has had with photographers throughout his career since 2007. The singer has had a difficult and well-documented relationship with the press since his rise to fame as a teenager, and previous run-ins have drawn similar scrutiny. Last year, Bieber was heard challenging a paparazzo who thanked him as he and Hailey left a deli in Los Angeles, telling the photographer it was disrespectful to express gratitude for a presence he had not invited.

In April of last year, Bieber responded to fans who urged him and his family to leave Los Angeles to escape photographer attention, stating he had no intention of doing so and that the city was where his influence was most needed. Hailey has expressed the same position. 'There's no leaving LA for us. We love it here. Our house is my element and my sanctuary. It's where my heart is, for sure,' she said in a recent interview.