Justin Bieber Releases Statement Regarding Paparazzo's Death

Singer and “Never Say Never” star Justin Bieber has released a statement regarding an accident that left a paparazzo dead on Tuesday.

“While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim,” Bieber said in a statement released by his spokesperson.

“Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves.”

The incident occurred in Los Angeles, when a photographer followed Bieber’s white Ferrari too closely during a routine traffic stop. The photographer, whose name is yet to be released, got out of the car, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bieber, and was struck by oncoming traffic.

Beiber was not even in the car at the time.

This isn’t the first time Bieber has had issues with dangerous paparazzi. In July photographer Paul Raef was charged when his desperation to take pictures of the star escalated to a high-speed chase, Bieber and six photographers weaving in and out of traffic with disregard for other drivers at speeds upward of 80 miles an hour. Raef received multiple charges, including reckless driving and following a vehicle too closely. Bieber was cited with speeding, although at the time Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine blamed Bieber for the incident.

 “As I watched, I was anticipating a crash. It was chaos. Total willful disregard for people on the roadway,” said Zine.