Justin Bieber joined the list of celebrities that have started bullying awareness campaigns. A new Justin Bieber video aims to fight cyberbullies, but it was a prosecutor’s idea to have the pop star release a warning about online bullying.
Whereas some celebrities truly believe the cause they are supporting, some often are forced to do so. It’s the case of Justin Bieber’s new anti-cyberbullying video, which was a prosecutor’s idea and his manager’s way of dealing with a legal issue. Had it been the real plea against online bullying, perhaps Justin Bieber’s awareness campaign would have felt more real, than hollow.
Wednesday, an 11-minute video on cyberbullying was released, staring Justin Bieber. The pop star promotes an awareness campaign initiated with the help of a New York prosecutor, his manager and record executive. Justin Bieber plays the smart-glasses guy and gives counseling to a 14-year-old victim, Dynalee Henderson.
“The Internet can be used as a place to have a greater positive impact on the world” Justin Bieber tells his fans in the anti-cyberbullying video. “The Web should be used to inspire others, not spread hate or hurt” he adds.
The idea of involving Justin Bieber in the anti-cyberbullying video was in fact a deal a prosecutor and Bieber’s manager cut to have two misdemeanor charges dropped. In 2009, the news that Justin Bieber will be signing autographs caused a fan frenzy at a mall. Over 3,000 fans had arrived at the location three hours before the event. It was obvious by 4 p.m. the mall police will be overwhelmed.
Before a prosecutor asked Bieber’s manager to cancel the autograph session via Twitter, the police officers trying to disperse the crowd were hindered by a message apparently from Bieber himself. “On my way to Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, NY to sign and meet fans! I’m pumped. See u there” read the tweet that was most likely sent by manager Scott Braun.
An hour and a half later, Scott Braun eventually canceled the event in two tweets. It then took the crowd just 15 minutes to disperse. Manager Scott Braun and Def Jam Records executive James Roppo received misdemeanors charges. When the charges were dropped, the prosecutor asked for Justin Bieber to get involved in an anti-cyberbullying public service video.
