On Thursday morning (January 23), Beliebers woke up to the disheartening news that Justin Bieber had been arrested.
The pop star is now facing DUI charges after he was apprehended by authorities in Miami Beach. Not surprisingly, fans flooded social media to share their reactions to Bieber’s latest legal woes. The “Believe” singer reportedly admitted to police he’d been drinking beers, smoking marijuana and taking prescription anti-anxiety medication before getting behind the wheel of a rented Lamborghini. Those actions left fans shocked, disappointed and confused, with one torn Belieber saying she wanted to hug him … and slap him.
I WANNA SLAP JUSTIN IN THE FACE & TELL HIM TO WAKE UP BUT AT THE SAME TIME I JUST WANNA HUG HIM & TELL HIM THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT.
— ✌ (@gherilmarmolejo) January 23, 2014
Bieber and a friend, aspiring pop singer Khalil Sharieff, were taken into custody after Miami police witnessed the duo drag racing in a residential area. Bieber subsequently failed a field sobriety test and it was concluded that he was driving under the influence of a controlled substance. He’s now been released from jail.
Fans who typically stand by Bieber — through thick and thin — are having a hard time defending Bieber’s actions this time around; many cited the fact that he not only endangered his life, but others’ as well.
Justin could've killed himself or someone else last night. I can't defend him on this one, what he did was just stupid and dangerous.
— Rachel (@kidrauhlsmusic6) January 23, 2014
While @jessnort tweeted she wasn’t “entirely shocked,” she hoped it “wouldn’t come to this.”
Justin needs to think about his actions, consider the consequences, hes being too careless now and its dangerous, for his own sake.
— beth (@herolikejustin) January 23, 2014
However, there were Bieber admirers who declared their loyalty not only for Justin but also his friend Lil Za, who shared a tribute to the pop star, spray-painting the words “Free Bizzle” in graffiti on a skateboard ramp. Za added the caption “not a game” to his post.
The Texas native was recently arrested on felony drug possession charges during a police search of Bieber’s home. That raid followed claims by Justin’s neighbor that his home had been egged and vandalized by the pop star.
Other Beliebers echoed Lil Za’s sentiments, vowing to stand by their idol and expressing hope that this incident, which could land him up to six months in jail, teaches him a lesson.
Sending prayers to Justin that's all I can do. Maybe it has come for the best, so he can get back to his senses. @JustinBieber I love you
— SO PROUD OF JUSTIN (@IamJBiebersOLLG) January 23, 2014
@MycrushonBieber took it a step further, saying she was “actually happy” Bieber got arrested because it would force him to “think about all he’s been doing.”
I'm actually happy Justin got arrested because now he will FINALLY think about all he's being doing. I'm not leaving though
— sexually frustrated (@MyCrushOnBieber) January 23, 2014
Christina Garibaldi 