Justin Bieber was leaving Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, where he was attending evening services at The City Church on Wednesday (July 26), when he was approached by the flashing lights of the paparazzi. He got into his pickup truck and pulled off, striking one of the photographers in the knee.
According to police, the “I’m the One” singer was moving at “extremely slow speed.” The photographer, 57, was taken to the hospital for “non life-threatening injuries.”
When Bieber stopped to check on the man, a couple of photographers scolded him. “You guys are all in front of the whip,” Bieber responded. “It’s really hard. Are you guys worried about me, or this guy, who’s on the ground? What are you guys doing? This guy is on the ground and you’re talking to me about stuff. Put your cameras down and start helping.”
Tending to the man on the ground, Bieber asked if there was anything he could do to help. “I want to make sure you’re okay there,” he said. According to TMZ, Bieber stayed behind for approximately 10 minutes, until paramedics arrived. He spoke with police about the incident and was then allowed to leave.
Meanwhile, the photographer issued a statement on social media. “I’m okay,” he said. “Hour before my birthday hits, I get run over by Justin Bieber. Isn’t that something? He’s a good kid, though. I think the truck was a little too big for him, though. There’s no way he could see over the front…But like I said, he got out, he was compassionate, he’s a good kid. Accidents happen. Hopefully, everything works out here.”
Bieber recently nixed the rest of his “Purpose World Tour” due to “unforeseen circumstances” and exhaustion. Insiders claim he canceled it due to his newfound religious dedication, but Bieber downplayed the speculation.
“Everything is fine,” he told TMZ. “I’ve been on tour for two years. Just resting and getting some relaxation.”
