Justin Bieber Apologizes For Racist Joke: ‘I Was A Kid Then’

Justin Bieber is not wasting any time with his latest scandal.

The singer has already issued an apology for a video of his 15-year-old self telling an N-word laced racist joke.

“I’m very sorry,” the singer told TMZ. “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.”

Bieber blamed his ignorance on the follies of youthful naïveté.

“As a young man, I didn’t understand the power of certain words and how they can hurt,” he explained. “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.”

The singer went on, hoping to turn the whole thing into a lesson both for himself and others, stating, “Ignorance has no place in our society and I hope the sharing of my faults can prevent others from making the same mistake in the future.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say but telling the truth is always what’s right.

Five years ago I made a reckless and immature mistake and I’m grateful to those close to me who helped me learn those lessons as a young man. Once again….I’m sorry.”