Back off Bieber! Writer of Controversial Rolling Stone Article Found Justin's Answers 'Sound and Logical'

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Feb 17th 2011 09:00AM

Bieber backlash was bound to happen. No matter how perfectly poised the teenage phenomenon tried to be, the young man underneath that mop-top hair was inevitably going to stick his foot in his mouth. And now, after a controversial Rolling Stone interview, Justin Bieber has found himself at the center of public criticism for his polarizing opinions on some touchy topics.

It's certainly no secret that the 16-year-old superstar has an extensive team surrounding him to keep his image in check. But when the Biebs drove contributing editor Vanessa Grigoriadis around Atlanta in his Range Rover, the impulsive teen didn't have his handlers reminding him when to stop talking. So when he was asked his opinions on premarital sex, abortion and abortion in the case of rape, he wasn't as PC as we might expect a pop star to be. He even inadvertently threw himself onto the hot seat by comparing the healthcare system in the United States to the one in his native Canada.

"I really don't believe in abortion," the teen idol said. "It's like killing a baby?" When asked if he was still adamantly pro-life in cases of rape, his stance didn't really change. "Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason," he said. "I don't know how that would be a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that."

This seemingly innocent opinion led to many headlines and jeers at Bieber's expense, ridiculing him for implying something as traumatic as rape "happens for a reason." But Grigoriadis, the interviewer, has a different opinion of what Bieber was trying to convey. "I think he meant that God has a plan," she told PopEater. "Even for the most die-hard Christian, it's hard to justify rape as part of God's plan, and harder to justify rape that leads to pregnancy and abortion. I think he was wrestling with that in his answer, which I found to be solid and logical. I think it is being widely misunderstood. He did not say that rape was part of God's plan."

Another point of contention from the interview is the Canadian crooner's admission that he never plans to become an American citizen. "You guys are evil," he joked. "Canada's the best country in the world." The young man even took a dig at the U.S. healthcare system. "We go to the doctor and we don't need to worry about paying him, but here, your whole life, you're broke because of medical bills."

Let's give the kid a little credit here. Sure, he's traveled the world and is in a higher tax bracket than most of us can even fathom, but how many 16-year-olds are even remotely aware of how insanely expensive healthcare can be? The fact that he's cultured and tuned in to the everyday struggles of those surrounding him (he mentions his bodyguard's premature baby and the costly complications stemming from that) is a refreshing glimpse of a Hollywood star that hasn't completely lost touch with reality and everyday people.

In terms of whether or not Bieber is mature for his age, Grigoriadis agreed with the star's manager that it really just depends on the day. She explained, "Scooter Braun was right when he said to me that Justin sometimes seems like a 16-year-old going on 14 and other times like a 16-year-old going on 32."

Justin and his opinions on premarital sex are understandable -- the kid is, after all, a sex symbol to millions of tween girls -- but were the questions about abortion, rape and even politics appropriate given his age and the fact that these topics have seemingly nothing to do with his music, movie or any of the products he sells?

"I think that anyone who has as much sway in popular culture as Justin should be asked all questions," Grigoriadis said. "I agree that he does not bring up these issues in his work at the moment, but it's possible that he will in the future, as he decides that he wants the public to know more about him."

So now that we've all analyzed the five-and-a-half foot teen and his deep, intellectual musings, let's all quit picking on the Biebs. It's time to go back to wearing 3-D purple glasses, dancing to 'Never Say Never' and reminding ourselves that despite his superstar status, Justin Bieber is a teenage boy, not a politician.

Tags: Justin Bieber

Comments

(69)

Thursday 17 February

By Paul

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The Rolling Stone I grew up with would never even have an article about someone like Justin Bieber,it was called bubblegum music for little kids. They used to feature real rock n' Roll mixed with politics. They still have the left wing political stance but now they cover little kids music and "pop" stars,shows how low they have sunk.

By Bob

First of all, Maccauley Culkin wants his lipstick back, Justin. Second of all, anybody remember the Jonas Brothers? Hansons? NKOTB, First Edition? Davey Jones? Bobby Sherman? Just the flavor of the month...until the little girls hit puberty.

By Bobbie

Who cares? In three years, no one will even know who he is.

By CC

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SHAME ON YOU ROLLING STONES!!!!!!!!!! How dare you put a 16 yr old to answer that type of a question! That never should have been asked, and never should have been made public. That was wrong and now you are holding it against him. Stick to his music and his topics, why talk about politics and "ABORTION".. really?????

By rayb

Thank You! everyone is mad at Justin Bieber for what he said, but what is he going to do? Refuse to answer any questions? I'm glad and I respect that he has strong opinions about such controversial subjects. All of the questions he was asked are highly inappropriate to ask a 16 yr old. what is wrong with people?!?

By early-exit

"Quote ~ Sure, he's traveled the world and is in a higher tax bracket than most of us can even fathom. " unquote.

Not necessarily directed at Bieber but why do you think you see so many celebrities appearing at charity events and appearing in 501(c)3 ads such as PETA, AIDs, world hunger etc. Because their accountants can write-off a few hours of celebrity's time off as a hugh tax deduction. Many in the entertainment industry pay little taxes untill they get audited years later on some goofy investment deals.

By JoeyO'H

I really don't believe in abortion," the teen idol said. "It's like killing a baby?"

Seriously? You're answering a questions with a question? Like he's not even sure.

Does this kid get any kind of schooling because he's taking a ride on Dumb Street.

By JP

Being honest is being dumb. Maybe you should try it.

By toni

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Justin,
Your vagina is showing....now shut up!!!!

By smartmolly

Toni,
Your ignorance is showing... now shut up!!!!

Friday 18 February

By sway

Wow Toni, ignorant much?

By Yolanda

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His publicist should have previewed the questions beforehand. This was just a set up to make JB look bad. He'll know better next time.

But why would RS try to make him look bad?

People interviewed always get a list of questions before hand to be asked. Every major publication does, I know.
RS's angle is to get the money questions asked and answered... the questions that would cause a stir to sell more magazine and get as many copies sold.

His handlers should have stopped him answering questions where he has no business or the maturity to answer.

By Herb S.

Beiber-douche is 16. He needs to keep his trap shut until he actually has some life experience to draw upon. Just becasue he's rich because teenage girls are stupid does not make him well spoken or wise. His answers show what a dipstick he is about the real world. Call me when his 15 minutes are up. That would be when his nads drop and his voice changes to sound like a guy, instead of a whiny girl.

He is still a kid and it's not fair to ask him questions appropriate for someone much older. He is just learning so his words are limited, and is bound to change his opinions many times over until he finds himself, not til his mid to late 20's.

By jeff

he has no problem taking evil americans money!!

he wont get mine

he better shut up if he wants more evil money.
pretty stupid to ruin his rep like that
his career will spiral down now

Where is yours Jeff? Still living in mom's basement? Oh wait, trailers have no basements, lol.

He didn't mean it, he was trying to be a bit humourous. Chill out for crying out loud, he is just a kid.

Who cares what Bieber has on his mind? He is as relevant as the archies,cowsills or partridge family,bubblegum music for little kids. So his opinion is worthless, and his talent?, I don't see much,I mean what does he really do? Singing is like a kid,his moves?? give me a break.

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