No doubt about it, mega-pop star sensation Justin Bieber had a rough go at it this past week. So just imagine what it's been like for his teeming hordes of prepubescent female fans.
The world watched Bieber literally and metaphorically collapse, as he now-infamously held up his own show in London on Monday, March 4. The Biebster's reason for making fans wait an incredible two hours was allegedly video-game-related (we've all been there before).
"It's my gig, I'll go out when I want," Bieber reportedly told a source who relayed the ill-advised statement in Heat Magazine. Heat's source also suggests Bieber didn't go out on time because he was "throwing a tantrum."
Later that week, at London's O2 arena on Thursday, March 7, Bieber collapsed on stage and was referred to as getting "very light of breath," according to manager Scooter Braun.
Perhaps the collapse and faintness of breath stemmed in part from Biebs' obvious tension over the recent news reports slamming him, to which he (as always) leapt back via Twitter on Wednesday, March 6.
"fake stories to sell papers i guess are part of the job. but im a good person. i know that. u cant tell me different. we know the truth," Bieber tweeted [tweeted] as part of his rant. He continued, rather eerily reminiscent of Annie Wilkes in Stephen King's Misery, that though he "understands" that it's part of his "job" to be judged, he should be judged on his music and that "im only judged by one power, and i serve him."
"Justin Bieber is starting to feel the pressure," People Magazine's Carlos Greer told ABC News. "He's literally having his Michael Jackson 'leave me alone' moment."
That pressure could be seen yet again on Friday, March 9 when Bieber lunged at a paparazzi and had to be restrained by his own bodyguard.
Now, to top it all off, Bieber has cancelled a concert in Portugal.
"Due to unforeseen circumstances, Justin Bieber was forced to cancel the second operation, in Portugal, on 12 March," Portuguese promoter Everything Is New reports. The site goes on to say Bieber still intends to perform in Portugal on Monday, March 11 and that fans will receive a refund for the cancelled March 12 show.
As yet no official announcement was made as to why Bieber has cancelled his March 12 Portugal show, though speculation is running high that it might be because of "insufficient ticket sales."
Yes, things have obviously been rough for the Beauty and the Beat star lately. So what do his fans (and critics) have to say about it?
"justin timberlake is making a comeback and justin bieber is finally at his breaking point. coincidence? no. there can only be one justin," Tumblr tweets, comparing Bieber's hard few days with Timberlake's notable recent SNL appearance.
"Best son: Justin Bieber. Best Brother: Justin Bieber. Best Singer: Justin Bieber. Best Idol: Justin Bieber," Proud Belieber tweets, resoundingly showing the love a lot of other fans feel toward Bieber no matter what he does (or says, tweets, rants about...).
Perhaps seizing the moment to do a bit of twitter ranting herself, Bieber's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez tweeted that the reason she broke up with Bieber is because she caught him kissing another girl.
Of course, on closer inspection that twitter account is a role-playing account, so perhaps it shouldn't be taken too seriously. Aside from the fact it shows someone sure has some interest in making Bieber suffer during a hard time.
Theodora tries to show a bit of love here, tweeting a picture of the Biebs with a young cancer patient fan and the note that TMZ has "finally" said something nice about the singer.
"Wanna prank someone you hate? Put Bieber tickets on craigslist for really cheap & post their phone number. Sit back and laugh," AYYSIAN tweets, making a bit of a lark out of the recent Portugal cancellation.
Perhaps it all comes together in a photo posted to Instagram by Bieber himself. There he is in his hospital bed after the London collapse, letting everyone know he's getting better by listening to Janice [sic] Joplin.
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