Justin Bieber Issues Apology For Racist Joke

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The rough year for Justin Bieber continues. Over the weekend, video of the singer using the N-word in a joke leaked to the press. The video showed Bieber backstage at a promotional event, laughing as he told the joke. The media and fans alike immediately pounced on the singer for using racist language.

On Monday, the singer issued a statement, apologizing for the offense.

"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 said in a statement.

"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."

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[Photo: Getty]