Recently, Justin Bieber made a triumphant and long-awaited return to the stage during a headline slot at Coachella. It was a massive moment for fans who have missed his presence in the spotlight.

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This Coachella performance marked Justin’s first major live set in four years. He famously stepped back from the industry in 2022, canceling his tour due to serious health struggles. Since then, he has focused on his well-being while making significant business moves.

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In 2023, the singer made headlines by selling his massive music catalog—including publishing rights—for a staggering $200 million. That same year, he officially parted ways with his long-term manager, Scooter Braun, signaling a fresh start for the “Peaches” singer.

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While Justin has kept his personal journey relatively private, his wife, Hailey Bieber, hinted at the immense pressure he faced leading up to his comeback. In a touching Instagram post, she wrote: “Such a special weekend. Nobody will ever know even an ounce of what it’s taken to get here. So grateful for this beautiful life. SO proud.”

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However, this comeback has also prompted fans to look back at the toxic celebrity culture Justin endured as a minor. The footage being unearthed has left many people horrified at the blatant mistreatment of a child star.

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For those who need a refresher, Justin was just 12 years old when Scooter Braun discovered him on YouTube in 2007. He was quickly whisked away to Atlanta, where he was introduced to major industry players like Usher, who became his mentor. It was through Usher that a 13-year-old Justin was introduced to Diddy, another figure who loomed large in his early career.

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Justin’s rise was meteoric. By the age of 18, he had a net worth of roughly $100 million, a shelf full of awards, and a global fanbase. But while his peers were experiencing “Bieber Fever,” the adults around him were acting in ways that would never be tolerated today.

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The way adult celebrities and media personalities treated Justin when he was underage has come under intense scrutiny. Viral compilation videos frequently highlight moments where the young singer was put in incredibly inappropriate positions.

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In these clips, Justin is often seen visibly uncomfortable while being subjected to sexualized questions. For instance, in 2010, a 15-year-old Justin was asked by a female radio host to give her “the sex talk” because her parents never did.

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Justin’s response was immediate and mature for his age, despite the awkwardness. He told the host, “I feel uncomfortable right now. Why do you want to know the sex talk from a 15-year-old boy? That’s pretty weird.”

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During another radio interview at the same age, a host asked if he liked French girls because “they have big boobs” before asking if he knew how to “French kiss.” Later, Justin reflected on the encounter, noting how weird the questions were, especially since his mom was standing right there.

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The inappropriate behavior didn’t stop there. One presenter told an underage Justin to “wear condoms,” while another male host repeatedly complimented the teenager’s “beautiful” lips during a broadcast.

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At the 2011 BRIT Awards, host James Corden sat with a 16-year-old Justin and repeatedly commented on how “amazing” he smelled. Justin looked noticeably uneasy as Corden stroked his face and made comments about his eyes, remarking that he didn’t smell that good at 16.

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That same year, Justin faced a cringeworthy interview on The Talk. Host Leah Remini asked the teenager if he would rather be “naked on stage” or “drink a cup of blended worms.” Justin shut it down instantly, citing his young female fanbase as the reason he couldn’t do such a thing.

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Even when he declined, Remini pushed further, asking him to “imagine there’s no laws.” The interview took another weird turn when the adult hosts asked the teen which of them he would date, with Remini lunging toward him.

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In 2012, Katy Perry was seen on camera grabbing Justin’s backside during a backstage meeting in London.

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Later that year at the AMAs, Jenny McCarthy grabbed the singer—who had just turned 18—and repeatedly kissed his neck and pawed at him while presenting an award. Justin looked genuinely distressed as he tried to pull away from the 40-year-old actress.

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The moment was so jarring that Justin opened his acceptance speech by saying, “Wow, I feel violated right now.”

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McCarthy later dismissed the incident to Access Hollywood, calling it a “cougar fantasy” and claiming she couldn’t help herself because he was “so delicious.”

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In 2015, Ellen DeGeneres put Justin on the spot by displaying unauthorized nude paparazzi photos of him on a giant screen. Despite Justin’s legal team previously fighting to have the photos removed for privacy violations, Ellen joked about his anatomy while he sat there in silence.

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The dehumanization continued in print. In his 2016 memoir, record executive L.A. Reid described a 14-year-old Justin as “beautiful, like a woman,” stating that his “superpower was his face.”

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It’s no surprise that Justin has become an advocate for younger artists. In a 2020 interview with Apple Music, he expressed a deep desire to protect Billie Eilish from the industry.

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“I just want to protect her,” he said through tears. “I don’t want her to go through anything I went through. I don’t wish that upon anybody.”

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The general public is finally waking up to the reality of Justin’s childhood. Recent TikTok comments are filled with sympathy, with fans calling the behavior “disturbing” and “sad.”

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As one commenter poignantly put it: “He deserved better.”

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What do you think about the way the media treated Justin during his rise to fame? Sound off in the comments.