Update: Billboard reports a representative for Justin Bieber confirmed that the comment attributed to him on Instagram was not left by the Biebs. It was identified as "fake" and absolutely not made by the actual Justin Bieber. Billboard did not clarify if the comment was made by someone else using his account or by an imposter account.
Bieber has not publicly addressed the controversy.
This story was originally published on April 22. Tributes have poured in from across the world since news broke of Prince's death. Musicians, in particular, have been expressing emotional sentiments about the pop icon's death, but it doesn't look like Justin Bieber is one of them. The drama kicked off after guitarist Andrew Watt shared an Instagram post honoring Prince as a "guitar idol." In his tribute, Watt called the late artist the "last of the greatest living performers."
AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT
Perhaps Bieber took offense to that last remark. The Canadian pop star allegedly posted a comment to Watt's post, writing "well not the last greatest living performer." The comment has since been deleted.
Justin Bieber got a little offended over an Instagram post calling Prince the last great living performer.. pic.twitter.com/RFOuBY68N4
— WORLDSTARHIPHOP (@WORLDSTAR) April 21, 2016
Though some fans have jumped to Bieber's defence, arguing he didn't intend to besmirch Prince's legacy, the Twittersphere is mostly not feeling the Biebs right now.
Prince: 7 Grammys, 1 golden globe, 1 Academy Award. Hall Of Famer.
— The Armenian Unicorn (@PierreBalian) April 21, 2016
Justin Bieber: 1 Grammy
I'll just leave this here.
While other celebrities shared their love and sadness for Prince, Justin Bieber managed to make the situation about himself. Says a lot.
— barry (@pacsunbutera) April 21, 2016