Justin Bieber has faced backlash from fans with a social media post following Charlie Kirk‘s death.
Conservative commentator and activist Kirk was assassinated last week while speaking to students at Utah Valley University.
The 31-year-old, who had risen to national prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA and a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, was shot during what witnesses described as a heated but peaceful debate event on campus.
His death was later confirmed by Trump, who mourned the loss of a longtime ally and described him as a ‘patriot who gave his life for the cause of truth.’
Authorities quickly identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the primary suspect.
Robinson was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, among other charges, and is currently being held without bail.
The FBI has revealed that forensic teams matched Robinson’s DNA to the rifle believed to have been used in the attack, as well as other items recovered near the scene.
Officials also disclosed that fragments of a destroyed note were found at Robinson’s residence, with investigators saying the writings made direct reference to plans to ‘take out Charlie Kirk.’
The assassination has triggered a wave of grief and outrage across the United States.
Vice President JD Vance hosted a tribute edition of Kirk’s podcast from the White House, bringing together conservative allies to honour his memory.
“I’m desperate for our country to be united in condemnation of the actions and the ideas that killed my friend,” Vance told listeners.
Meanwhile, celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Josh Duhamel joined in calling for an end to political violence.
Schwarzenegger, in a message shared on X, urged Americans to ‘rediscover their humanity,’ while Duhamel reminded followers that Kirk left behind a wife, Erika, and two young children.
It was against this backdrop that Justin Bieber unexpectedly found himself facing backlash online.
On September 14, the Canadian pop star shared a photo on Instagram from his Los Angeles home, where he lives with wife Hailey Bieber and their infant son, Jack Blues.
The image showed a framed set of ‘family values’ hanging on the wall.
Among them were statements such as: “We value Rest as Worship,” “We value HEALTH and physical wellness as an act of stewardship,” and: “We value HUMAN beings and believe in their dignity and eternal worth.”
Although many of Bieber’s fans praised the sentiment, the timing of the post drew ire from some followers who accused him of ignoring Kirk’s assassination.
One user fumed: “Mention the assassination of Charlie Kirk who left behind a beautiful wife and two children. SAY HIS BEAUTIFUL NAME!!!!!!”
Another echoed the criticism: “Sad that you’ve not mentioned the loss of a fellow brother in Christ. You spoke loudly for George Floyd — why not now?”
Others, however, leapt to Bieber’s defence, arguing that the singer had no obligation to weigh in.
“Why does everyone think Justin has to speak about Charlie Kirk like he was the president or something?” one fan asked.
Another wrote: “He might have prayed privately for the family. You don’t get to judge.”
For now, Bieber has remained silent on the controversy, leaving his family values post as his only public statement in a week dominated by political mourning and calls for unity.
