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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Rebecca Flood

Justin Bieber banned from performing in Beijing due to 'bad behaviour'

Beijing has banned Justin Bieber from performing in the city due to what it refers to as his "bad behaviour". 

A statement issued by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture confirmed the popstar was forbidden from hitting the stage in the communist nation. 

It said: "His series of misbehaviours while living abroad and during his performances in China has caused public resentment.

"To regulate the domestic entertainment market and purify its environment, we find it inappropriate to bring in performers with bad behaviours."

The Canadian singer is currently on his third world tour, with dates scheduled in Japan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. 

According to his official website, no shows are due to take place on the Chinese mainland but tickets are being sold for shows in Beijing and Shanghai.  

A Chinese ticketing outlet said it was selling seats for a show in Beijing on September 16 and another in Shanghai for September 23, CNN reported. 

A staff member claimed they were not aware of the decision against Justin Bieber, but would refund fans if the concerts did not go ahead. 

That looks unlikely as the Shanghai cultural authority, which approves gigs, told the news channel it was unlikely he would be allowed to perform in the light of Beijing’s decision. 

The hitmaker is no stranger to controversy, once leaving a pet monkey behind in Germany, which was later rehomed in a zoo. 

He has had numerous scrapes with the law after being caught illegally drag racing.

It is not the first time China has taken a hard line against performers, with Bieber’s former partner Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi and Maroon 5 all previously banned in the country.

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