Justin Bieber's Production Team Clarifies New Video Casting Controversy

RuPaul's Drag Race star Miss Fame called out Team Justin Bieber for offering her only $500 to appear in a music video for his as-yet-announced new single, but the pop titan's team has responded to the controversy.

In a statement to PAPER magazine, the video's production clarified that Bieber had no involvement in casting the extras. Instead, the "casting was the director's vision" and was meant to make the production an "inclusive set." The unnamed director, who also identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, said that all talent were offered the same amount of money for the shoot. "The shoot was MFN [Most Favored Nation clause]. MFN for all," the representative said, referencing a common practice in the entertainment world, where every participant receives the same offer.

In Miss Fame's Instagram Story posts, the star shared screenshots of a conversation between what appeared to be Team Bieber and her own team. "To @justinbieber team: If you want to involve LGBTQIA+ Artist in a JB music videos, I suggest respectable compensation/rate for their (mine) time & talent," she wrote on her Story. "I can't pay my rent off of the 'honor' or 'experience.'" In another story, she continued the sentiment, but directed her messaging to all folks interested in recruiting queer creatives. "This is directed at all brands, houses, industries that are attempting to look good for the Gay dollar but not actually investing in us," she wrote.

Just last week, sources close to TMZ revealed that Bieber is laying down the groundwork for an upcoming tour, which could launch as early as summer 2020. The insiders revealed that the trek is scheduled to coincide with the release of a new album, which you know is set to lean more on the R&B end. Additionally, Team Bieber recently filed new legal documents to try and trademark the title, "R&Bieber," which is the working title of his potential new album.

Photo: Getty Images


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