Justin Bieber apologises for Argentine flag controversy

Justin Bieber has apologised to fans in Argentina after he caused outrage by sweeping the country's flag off the stage with his feet during a concert over the weekend (09-10Nov13).

The Boyfriend hitmaker performed in Buenos Aires on Saturday (09Nov13) and during the show, members of the audience threw two Argentine flags on stage.

However, the singer infuriated fans by failing to pick the flags up, and instead using his feet to kick them to the side of the stage. Footage of the incident, posted on YouTube.com, also shows Bieber using his microphone stand to sweep the items away.

The incident caused a furore online, with many fans labelling the star "disrespectful", and Bieber has now apologised, insisting he mistook the flags for items of clothing.

In a series of posts on Twitter.com, he writes, "Heard about what is going on with me down in Argentina and I'm shocked. I love Argentina and have had some of the best shows of my tour there.

"People throw stuff on my stage all show and I get it to the stage hands to get off so no one got hurt. That video I saw a bra and thought it was a shirt.

"I'm being told by my team it was a shirt but even if it was a flag I would never do anything to disrespect Argentina or the people of Argentina or the fans. I'm so sorry for anyone who took my actions the wrong way and I hope you can forgive this mistake. So once again to the people of Argentina. I'm sorry if that was taken the wrong way and I'm sorry for my mistake. I hope u (sic) can accept this."

He adds, "I dont like having to defend myself but this time it was needed as I mean no disrespect."