Justin Bieber reflects on seven years after being arrested in Miami Beach on January 23, 2014 and charged with DUI, resisting arrest without violence and an expired driver’s license.
The 26-year-old shared a photo of his arrest on Instagram, using the caption to pick up on that day and reflect on how much he’s grown since.
“Seven years ago today I was arrested, not my best time,” Bieber wrote. “I am not proud of where I am in my life. I was hurt, unhappy, confused, angry, misled, misunderstood and angry with God. I also wore too much leather for someone in Miami. All this to say that God has brought me a long way.
“From that point on, I realized something… God was as close to me as he is now,” he continued. “I encourage you to ‘let your past remind you of how far God has taken you. Don’t let shame ruin your “today”, let Jesus’ forgiveness take over and watch your life blossom into all that God has designed for you. YOU LOVE GUYS WITH MY WHOLE HEART. “
Miami Beach Police spokesman Sgt. Bobby Hernandez told NBC Miami at the time that the arrest took place at 4 a.m. and the singer failed a field sobriety test at the scene. Hernandez told a press conference that after his arrest, Bieber admitted to consuming alcohol and prescription drugs and smoking marijuana.
According to NBC News, Bieber “got angry” after being arrested and questioned by police and said, “I’m 19. I’m just having a good time. What were you doing when you were 19? “
The officer said he didn’t drive in a Lamborghini, to which Bieber replied, “Yeah, well, I bet you didn’t have millions of dollars in your bank account either.”
A toxicology report at the time showed the singer had tested positive for marijuana and Xanax. A DUI test report showed that even for a minor driver, his breathalysers were under the legal limit.
He was released from jail after a judge set $ 2,500 bail. The singer left the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami wearing a hoodie, leather shorts and sunglasses as he sat on top of a black SUV, waving to a crowd at the outside, drawing his own comparison to Michael Jackson.
The “Lonely” singer pleaded guilty to lesser charges in August of the same year. The deal with prosecutors required Bieber to attend a 12-hour anger management class, watch videos online of tragic drunk driving cases, as well as donate 50,000 $ to a children’s charity.
On Saturday, fans, followers and friends applauded Bieber for his honest post reflecting the day.
Stylist Maeve Reilly wrote: “So proud of the man you are. I am thankful that you are in my life.”
Football star Tom Brady commented: “We live and learn.”
Bieber’s wife Hailey Bieber simply commented on a heart-shaped emoji.
Scooter Braun, his longtime manager, wrote: “Proud of you”.
