The singer reflects on his 2014 DUI arrest in Miami.
Justin Bieber is taking a look back at his past mistakes. The "Anyone" singer reflected on his Jan. 23, 2014 arrest, and how god has brought him a long way since then.
"7 years ago today I was arrested, not my finest hour. Not proud of where I was at in my life. I was hurting, unhappy, confused, angry, mislead [sic], misunderstood and angry at god," he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of himself in handcuffs and being escorted by officers. "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.. God was as close to me then as he is right now," the 26-year-old singer continued. "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 received a slew of support from his friends and fans, including manager Scooter Braun, who wrote, "Proud of you." Tom Brady also added, "We live and learn," with 2Chainz, Jaden Smith, Patrick Schwarzenegger and more leaving comments.
Bieber was only 16 when he was arrested for drag racing in a yellow Lamborghini in Miami, Florida. He also failed a sobriety test and was charged with driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving with a suspended license.
The Canadian singer avoided jail time by pleading guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving, making a charitable donation and taking anger management classes.
Just a couple days after his Jan. 23, 2014 arrest, he was once again detained and charged with assault on Jan. 29, after surrendering to the Toronto Police Department. The charge stemmed from an alleged altercation involving a limousine driver that took place Dec. 30, 2013.
Bieber was also arrested on Sept. 1, 2014 in Canada, when an August accident involving an ATV and a mini-van turned into a physical altercation between the driver of the ATV and an occupant in the mini-van. Bieber was charged with two counts of criminal code offenses, dangerous driving and assault. Bieber has previously reflected on these arrests, and many other legal woes, he's had over the years and how he has since grown.
During the Virtual PaleyFest LA event last year, the entertainer expressed that it has been "an honor" to now show his "vulnerable sides" with his fans. Watch the video below to hear more of what he shared.
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