International superstar, Justin Bieber, has had South African fans frothing at the mouth after he announced he would be bringing his much-anticipated Justice World Tour to South African stadiums, including Cape Town, in September.
However, pro-Palestine activists have come out guns blazing and voiced their distaste regarding the star’s upcoming tour to Israel.
According to Africa4Palestine, youth activists have “purchased a large number of tickets” and have threatened to disrupt his planned concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg if his upcoming concerts in Israel are not cancelled.
Bieber recently took to social media to share details regarding his health. The hitmaker revealed he suffers from Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare neurological disorder which is characterised by paralysis of the facial nerves. Fans have since rallied behind the star, sending heartfelt messages and prayers.
The Grammy award winner was set to perform back-to-back shows in June but postponed his two upcoming shows at Madison Square Garden due to his ongoing health issues.
While there’s no word on the rest of his tour, his concert date is currently set for 13 October 2022 in Tel Aviv.
“Bieber is being called on by #Africa4Palestine, Palestinian civil society, as well as progressive Jewish Israelis to respect the boycott of apartheid Israel and cancel his 13 October 2022 concert in Tel Aviv,” the activist group said via their Facebook page.
The organisation has stated that Bieber would face “serious backlash” if the tour in Israel was not cancelled.
“We call on Justin to do the right thing and cancel his performance in Israel or face a serious backlash, because South Africans and many across the world will not accept a “Justice” tour which includes Apartheid Israel,” the post continued.
Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane faced similar backlash last year after South Africans questioned her decision to participate in the Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel.
While numerous organisations and politicians called for Mswane to withdraw from the pageant, the Miss South Africa organisation stood firm. Mswane went on to represent South Africa at Miss Universe 2021, coming in as the second runner-up.
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Justin Bieber explains rare virus affecting his facial nerves, tour on ice
Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery