January 25, 2021
PopUps: Justin Bieber Reflects on 2014 DUI Charge in Instagram Post
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
Justin Bieber took to Instagram over the weekend to reflect on the DUI charge he received back in 2014, which resulted in his smiling mugshot photo going viral at the time.
On Jan. 24, 2014, the Canadian pop star, who was 19 at the time, was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, drag racing, driving with an expired license as well as resisting arrest when he was pulled over in Miami. Yahoo! Entertainment points out that tests later showed Bieber had Xanax and marijuana in his system but his alcohol level was under the legal limit.
"7 years ago today I was arrested, not my finest hour. Not proud of where I was at in my life," the "Sorry" singer wrote on Instagram along with a photo of him in cuffs. "I was hurting, unhappy, confused, angry, mislead, misunderstood and angry at god.. I also wore too much leather for someone in Miami.
"All this to say God has brought me a long way. From then til now I do realize something," he wrote. "God was as close to me then as he is right now. My encouragement to you is to 'let your past be a reminder of how far god has brought you.
"Don't allow shame to ruin your "today" let the forgiveness of Jesus take over and watch your life blossom into all that God has designed you to be. LOVE YOU GUYS WITH MY WHOLE HEART," Bieber added.
Months after he was arrested, the pop star pleaded guilty in order to reduced charges of misdemeanor careless driving and resisting arrest. Though he did not do any jail time, Bieber was ordered to complete a 12-hour anger management course and a DUI education program. He also had to pay fines and make a $50,000 donation to a charity.
Over the last few years, Bieber has stayed out of trouble in the public, becoming more spiritual and marrying model Hailey Baldwin in 2018.
Check out Bieber's post in full below.
This story is part of our special report: "PopUps". Want to read more? Here's the full list.
