Justin Bieber compares paparazzi harassment to Princess Diana after sharing disturbing video
"People have had to die because of this sh*t."
The short clip, which has already racked up millions of views, shows a group of camera-toting men following Bieber and snapping photos as flashbulbs go off nonstop.
As one of the most famous musicians on the planet, Justin Bieber is no stranger to being harassed by paparazzi. But it looks like his patience is wearing thin.
On Friday morning, the Canadian pop star shared a video on Instagram that shows photographers swarming him outside what appears to be his Los Angeles home. The short clip, which has already racked up millions of views, shows a group of camera-toting men following Bieber and snapping photos as flashbulbs go off nonstop.
"This has to stop," the 31-year-old wrote in the caption, clearly frustrated. In the video, Bieber can be heard saying, "Look at these guys, man," while another voice repeatedly tells the crowd to "watch out" and "back up."
"Dang, I think this is the first celeb POV of paparazzi we've gotten… really does show the perspective," one of Bieber's 294 million Instagram followers commented.
"To think this has been happening to you since you were 13 is just absolutely insane," another added.
In a series of follow-up posts, Bieber reflected on the toll years of public life have taken, comparing his treatment to that of Princess Diana, who died in a car crash while being chased by paparazzi in 1997. "People have had to die because of this sh*t," he wrote. "Princess Diana is the first that comes to mind."
Bieber, who's originally from Ontario, lives in L.A. with his wife Hailey and their young son. But after sharing the video, fans flooded his comments urging him to move — many suggesting he head back to Canada.
But despite the suggestions, Bieber made it clear he's not going anywhere. "I won't be bullied out of where I believe my influence is most needed," he said, acknowledging the darker side of Hollywood but insisting he's trying to use his platform for good.
"I want nothing to do with the transactional nature of this place," he said. "But I believe we can change things."
The singer also posted a photo of a lion, writing, "I believe God is my lion." He admitted he's struggling with patience, even saying, "It can be really hard to not rip these f*ckin guys' heads off," before emphasizing that he's trying to forgive — both himself and those who exploit him.
"We gotta do better," he concluded. "Please, can we make a change?"
