Pop sensation Justin Bieber has found himself once again embroiled in controversy following the release of two videos in which he is filmed making racist comments.
Caught on camera five years ago, a video surfaced this week of Bieber joking about joining the Ku Klux Klan and killing black people.
The footage sees Justin parodying his own hit song, 'One less lonely girl', by substituting the lyrics with racist slurs.
Reports suggest that whoever released the footage demanded huge sums of money from Bieber in return for keeping it under wraps, but the teen star apparently refused to be blackmailed, choosing instead to face the consequences.
After another video was released earlier this week in which then 15-year-old Bieber tells a racist joke; he immediately apologised – telling TMZ it was "a childish and inexcusable mistake".
"As a kid, 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 realise at the time that it wasn't funny and that in fact my actions were continuing the ignorance," he said.
"I am a man now who knows my responsibility to the world and to not make that mistake again," he added.
"Ignorance has no place in our society...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."
After the Sun published Bieber's offensive parody yesterday, Bieber was forced to apologise once again, telling the newspaper, "I am sorry for all those I have let down and offended".
He then also posted an image from a book on his Instagram page, which features several Bible verses focussing on forgiveness and finding peace in God.
"When your sins weigh heavily upon you, come to Me...Stay in the Light of My Presence, receiving forgiveness, cleansing, and healing," the book reads.
"Remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness, so nothing can separate you from Me. Whenever you stumble and fall, I am there to help you."
Three passages from the New Testament are then quoted, including John 8: 12 which says, "Whoever follows me [Jesus] will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".
In the past, Bieber's mum, Pattie Mallet - herself a committed Christian - has asked that people pray for her son, rather than judge him for his mistakes.
"'I think so many people go into the entertainment industry with amazing Christian roots and they get influenced somehow', she said in an interview with The Sun.
"I ask that people keep me and Justin in their minds. I pray for him every day... If Justin's struggling, don't kick him when he's down or condemn him - pray for him," she urged.
