In the video, posted to TMZ.com, the pop star, then 15, asks: "Why are black people afraid of chain saws?"
He answers his own question: "Run n*****, n*****, n*****, n*****," he says, imitating the sound of a chain saw. Then he laughs.
TMZ reported it got the
video four years ago but decided against posting it then because of
Bieber's age and because he "immediately told his friends what he did
was stupid." It was reportedly shot backstage at a promotional event.
"As a young man, I didn't understand the power of certain words and how
they can hurt. I thought it was OK to repeat hurtful words and jokes,
but didn't realize at the time that it wasn't funny and that in fact my
actions were continuing the ignorance," Bieber, now 20, said in a
statement.
He added: "I take my
friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize
for offending or hurting anyone with my childish and inexcusable
mistake. I was a kid then and I am a man now who knows my responsibility
to the world and to not make that mistake again."
The video is the latest in a string of troubles for the star, who shot to fame as a fresh-faced teen.
There was a DUI arrest in Miami, an assault charge in Toronto and a felony vandalism probe in Los Angeles.
Also, the Federal
Aviation Administration is investigating allegations that Bieber and
other passengers aboard a charter flight from Canada to New Jersey's
Teterboro Airport interfered with the flight crew.
None of the criminal
charges that Bieber faces appear to threaten his freedom. Probation
sentences, fines, community service and counseling are routinely given
in such cases.
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