Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Justin Bieber: Who is Britt Meddler? And four other memorable quotes from his Billboard interview

The singer discusses nude photos, 'shrinkage' and the sad reality of fame

Heather Saul
Friday 06 November 2015 11:39 GMT
Comments
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Justin Bieber’s cover story interview with Billboard was as memorable as you might expect.

Fresh from storming out of a concert after just one song, walking off a radio show mid-interview and scolding fans for not clapping in time, Bieber walked Billboard through a day in his life.

Here are some highlights from the conversations from a day where Bieber attended an hour-long sermon, enjoyed a piggy back ride from his body guard, ate steak in a restaurant and relaxed in his hotel room.

‘Shrinkage is real’

Aside from feeling “super violated” by pictures of him in the nude taken without his consent, Bieber had another concern: Shrinkage. "Oh, my God. I just got out of the water. Shrinkage is real.”

He did hasten to add that the picture was a true representation, telling the magazine: “That’s as big as she gets.”

Who is Britt Meddler?

Bette Midler reacted with disgust at a tweet from Bieber’s father Jeremy about the images: “The biggest dick in this situation is the dad who abandoned his son.”

But Bieber insists his father’s joke was fine. “This Britt Meddler. I don’t even know who that is, honestly. I wanted to immediately say ‘Who is this lady?’”

(This is Bette Midler)
(This is Bette Midler) (Getty Images)

On the consequences of growing up in the glare of the spotlight

“I wouldn’t suggest being a child star. […] it’s f**ked, bro, this lifestyle.”

On his surprise at being told that his tearful performance at the MTV VMA awards attracted less attention than Nicki Minaj calling out Miley Cyrus on stage.

“I honestly thought my crying was more talked about.”

On the reality of being fawned over because of fame

“Like, oh, everything I say is funny. I must be the funniest dude ever. Only to find out, man, my jokes suck.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in