Bieber show goes on despite health scare
Pop superstar Justin Bieber is planning to push on with his next UK show despite a health scare which saw him leave the stage mid-song and still continuing to feel “under the weather”.
The Canadian teenager – playing sell-out shows at London’s O2 Arena – posted a picture of himself online lying in a hospital bed shortly after the show, during which he had to take a break as he struggled to breathe.
In a message to fans, he said he was “getting better” and trying to figure out what happened as his eventful UK tour took another colourful twist with the latest drama.
It came in the week in which he upset thousands of fans by starting his first of four nights at London’s O2 arena so late that many had to miss most of the show.
Some of his young devotees were in tears as they left to catch transport home.
Last night, 19-year-old Bieber was midway through performing the track Beauty And The Beat when he walked off.
His manager, Scooter Braun, told the audience that the singer was seen by a doctor backstage at the venue, who told him not to return to the stage.
Braun told the 20,000 crowd: “Justin got very light of breath, the whole show he’s been complaining. He’s backstage with the EMTs (emergency medical team) and the doctor.”
He went on: “You guys need to be patient with us, we’re not trying to be disrespectful, we’re not trying to get you guys home late, we’re truly trying to put on a show for the people who love him.”
However, he did resume his performance.
This afternoon, a record company spokeswoman said: “Justin has been released from the hospital after a check-up and, while he’s feeling a little under the weather, he’s currently planning on going ahead with tonight’s show.”
One fan said of Bieber’s stage departure, via Twitter: “He literally was so out of breath on stage in the middle of Beauty And The Beat and then went off.”
Bieber published the picture of himself on his Instagram account, showing him in the hospital bed after being checked over by doctors.
He wrote: “Getting better. Thanks for everyone pulling me thru tonight. Best fans in the world. Figuring out what happened.”
The incident has led to claims it was a publicity stunt to win back the affection of fans after the drubbing he received earlier in the week over his poor time-keeping, for which he eventually apologised, blaming technical problems.
One wrote on Twitter: “Justin Bieber was not sick, its a publicity stunt to make up for his late show.”
Another speculated: “Justin Bieber publicity stunt collapse because he cocked up the other night by being 2 hrs late for his fans. Anything for sympathy?”
Bieber’s day continued with further drama as he lashed out at a photographer this afternoon.
The star, wearing a red top and beanie hat, was restrained by a minder as he was seen to lunge at a cameraman in London as he stepped out of a people-carrier.
He had been hustled into the vehicle by his team after leaving his hotel. But he then burst out of the van, swearing and making threatening comments.
“What did you say? What did you say?” he asked as he was pulled back by his minders, while swearing.
The footage has been posted on the Channel 5 News website.
