Justin Bieber Roundup: Gossip Of The Week

And the headlines continue! Between trial delays, run-ins with airport security and brushes with foreign dignitaries, it was certainly difficult trying to pinpoint where Justin Bieber wasn’t causing trouble this week.

From Miami to Tokyo, here’s our recap of the singer’s top four most “unbeliebable” antics, in this week’s Celebrity Gossip of the Week roundup…

Grounded At LAX

Justin Bieber was detained for questioning and released by customs, after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on a commercial flight from Japan on Thursday.

A source close to the situation confirmed to Access Hollywood the teen sensation underwent secondary questioning — “routine” for travelers with open criminal cases.

The big gossip wasn’t necessarily that the Biebs had returned to the States, but that he was reportedly questioned for four hours!

Following his release, Justin was seen hoping into a SUV, flashing a brief smile to the paparazzi. Gracious… as always.

DUI Trial Hits Speed Bump?

Although police claim he was drag racing in Miami Beach back in January, Justin’s trial stemming from that incident is now most definitely on the slow track.

On Wednesday, a judge agreed to reschedule the 20 year-old’s trial date from May 5 to July 7. This was undoubtedly welcome news for the superstar’s legal team, who argued that more time was needed to hear potential pre-trial motions.

Justin currently faces charges of driving under the influence, resisting arrest without violence and driving with an expired license. He has pled not guilty to all three allegations.

Japan Apology

Also on Wednesday, Justin tweeted a mea culpa to all those he offended by visiting Japan’s Yasukuni shrine, saying he was misled to see it as only a place of prayer.

The drama began when the “Believe” crooner posted two photos of himself on Instagram, praying outdoors at the temple and standing beside a Shinto priest. Although Yasukuni commemorates the 2.5 million Japanese who died in World War II, China and South Korea (in particular) see it as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism.

A storm erupted across social media after the posting, with fans criticizing the pop icon for historical ignorance. Heck, even China’s foreign ministry got into the debate; their spokesman suggested Justin should educate himself on the topic.

White House Responds To Deportation Petition

Finally… the White House has two words for Americans who want Justin Bieber out of the country: “No comment.”

Close to 275,000 people put their names on an Internet petition asking President Barack Obama to revoke Bieber’s O-1 visa, which allows the Canadian citizen to live in the United States.

In a written statement, the White House said it’s “sorry to disappoint,” but that it won’t be commenting on the issue.

Their letter to the media ended on a humorous note, adding: “Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next 20 years. For those of you counting at home, that’s 12.5 billion concert tickets – or 100 billion copies of Mr. Bieber’s debut album.”

— Genevieve Wong

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