ABOVE: With the news of his recent arrest – on top of his house recently being searched by police – are we looking at the beginning of the end of the pop star’s career?
TORONTO – There’s no doubt Canadian pop star Justin Bieber’s public image has changed from sweet Canadian teen to spitting delinquent with allegations of drugs, drag racing, vandalism, threats, and assault all piling up over the past year.
Here’s a look at Bieber’s brushes with the law since he turned 19.
Jan. 23, 2014: Arrested in Florida on suspicion of DUI, drag racing, expired license
Bieber was arrested in Florida early Thursday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, drag racing and driving with an expired license. He was allegedly driving a rented yellow Lamborghini at twice the posted speed limit, racing rapper Khalil Sharief, who was also arrested for DUI.
The police report suggested Bieber was incoherent and belligerent, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes. Police allege the teen was under the influence of marijuana, prescription medication and alcohol.
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Canadian connection: Bieber was pulled over about eight kilometres from where Rob Ford — now mayor of Toronto — was pulled over 15 years ago and arrested on suspicion of DUI and possession of marijuana. Ford was fined and ordered to perform community service.
Jan. 14, 2014: Police raid his California home due to vandalism allegations
Police raided the star’s Calabasas home to investigate an allegation that Bieber vandalized a neighbour’s home on Jan. 9 by pelting eggs at the front door, which caused thousands of dollars in damage. Bieber was not arrested nor exonerated, according to police who said the investigation is ongoing.
Xavier Smith, a.k.a. rapper Lil Za, was arrested during the raid on a felony narcotics violation when police allegedly found a white powder substance. Smith had been staying at Bieber’s home.
Nov. 3, 2013: Sneaking into a Brazilian brothel
There was no official brush with the law in this case, but the star was spotted leaving the Centauros brothel—a “private members club”—in Rio de Janeiro. The New York Post reported Bieber and a friend spent hours inside before leaving with two women who were taken to Bieber’s hotel in a separate vehicle.
The week before, an unnamed Panama prostitute told local newspaper Cronicas she was paid to have sex with Bieber at his hotel, where they allegedly smoked marijuana.
Oct. 3, 2013: Avoids criminal charges for an alleged threat
Bieber’s neighbor in Los Angeles told police the pop star threatened him and spat in his direction when he confronted the star about his driving in March 2013. A prosecutor said the behaviour was not necessarily criminal.
July 25, 2013: Bieber spits from Toronto hotel balcony
The singer was spitting off a balcony at the Hazelton Hotel while fans gathered below, which resulted in photos posted to celebrity website TMZ.
A City of Toronto by-law prohibits spitting on a “sidewalk or pavement, in any passage, stairway of or entrance to any public building, in any building, hall, room or place to which the public resort or in any streetcar or other public conveyance.” Toronto Police said spitting on another person can result in an assault charge, though no charges were laid against Bieber in this case.
July 18, 2013: Alleged spitting attack spurs police report against Bieber
Ohio DJ Addison Ulhaq (known as DJ Addison) filed a police report that claimed Bieber spat in his face inside The Social Room nightclub in Columbus.
The star was not charged.
June 26, 2013: Assault lawsuit filed by paparazzo
Bieber was sued in June by paparazzo Jose Duran who claimed the singer assaulted him at a mall in Calabasas. Duran says Bieber jumped into the air from 6 to 8 feet away to deliver a martial-arts-type kick to the photographer’s gut before punching him in the face.
The suit seeks unspecified damages for “severe and extreme emotional distress” and negligence.
March 28, 2013: Bieber’s monkey seized by German customs officials
Bieber failed to produce the required vaccination and import papers for his pet monkey Mally after arriving in Germany for a European tour. Mally’s ownership was transferred to the German state May 21, after the singer missed a deadline to send the documents.
With files from John R. Kennedy and The Associated Press
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