Justin Bieber's Father Criticized For Insensitive Pride Month Message
Justin Bieber's father, Jeremy Bieber, is being heavily criticized after posting an insensitive and bigoted message on social media.
In a since-deleted tweet, Jeremy shared a meme of the rainbow flag with the words, "Don't forget to thank a straight person this month for your existence," written on top.
Many people found the post offensive and homophobic, disrespecting LGBTQ+ people and others celebrating June as Pride Month.
The post came soon after Jeremy tweeted, "We need to celebrate families. U know the reason we’re all here! The things this generation glorifies is unbelievable!"
We need to celebrate families. U know the reason we’re all here! The things this generation glorifies is unbelievable!
— Jeremy Bieber (@JeremyBieber) June 5, 2023
Despite Jeremy deleting the original post, many shared their thoughts on his statement under the earlier tweet.
One wrote, "Don't forget to thank LGBTQ families for adopting the children unwanted by the straight people who abandoned them."
"How utterly ridiculous and pathetic. Imagine being so insecure in your own identity that you feel the need to marginalize an already marginalized group. #HappyPrideMonth2023," said another.
Many fans referenced Jeremy's shaky relationship with his son, with Justin telling Billboard in 2015, "He was immature. He left for like a year when I was about 4."
A tweet responding to Jeremy said, "and what do YOU know about families."
Jeremy posted in response to the backlash, "Acknowledging the nuclear family is offensive? My apologies to those offended. Was not my intent. Not that my opinion matters."
Acknowledging the nuclear family is offensive? My apologies to those offended. Was not my intent. Not that my opinion matters.
— Jeremy Bieber (@JeremyBieber) June 7, 2023
A reply to his new post read, "you know exactly the intention of what you said, don’t pretend to be a saint. if you’re prejudiced, so be it, but keep it to yourself."
Someone else referenced other common characteristics found in the idea of a traditional "nuclear family," saying, "shouldn’t you have a job and be the breadwinner then as the 'man of the house' since you’re so into traditional families and such and not living off your son ??"
Some people are calling for a response from Justin, but so far, the singer has not made any comments regarding his father's controversial post.
Parade has reached out to reps for Justin but has not heard back yet.