Justin Bieber Hugged By Usher After ‘Intense Boos’ At Cleveland Cavaliers Opener Against Knicks
Justin Bieber must really love basketball to keep putting up with public booing.
Luckily, he was already wearing an ear plug after a cliff jumping-related eardrum injury in September which required surgery.
The 20-year-old singer’s latest booing experience came courtesy of thousands of (mostly) Cleveland Cavaliers fans, gathered at the Quickens Loan Arena on Thursday night to see their team play their first game of the NBA season against the New York Knicks.
The game also marked the return of LeBron “King” James to Cleveland after four seasons.
But, despite huge expectations, the Knicks triumphed over the Cavs by 95-90, reportedly because of the combined efforts of Carmelo Anthony, Iman Shumper and Travis Wear.
Justin’s arrival in Cleveland had been noted by local news stations, so the audience were certainly aware the singer was one of the celebrities at the game.
LeBron returns & downtown CLE is crawling w/ the the most famous people in the world. Like Justin Bieber in a towel. pic.twitter.com/Bp0kukJbyd
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 30, 2014
And they were clearly ready to show their disapproval, by greeting the star with “intense booing” when he was shown on the Jumbotron, ESPN reports.
During the game, the “Boyfriend” singer sat sandwiched between Hillsong Church NYC’s Pastor Carl Lentz, and mentor Usher, who performed the National Anthem and sat next to TV personality Michael Strahan.
Bieber has been staying with the pastor on a religious retreat after his split with actress-singer, Selena Gomez.
Ethan J. Skolnick, Senior NBA Writer for Turner Sports/Bleacher Report and a host (who was at the game), said of the anti-Bieber mood,
“Justin Bieber just got booed here. Usher was cheered. Then Usher hugged Bieber. Boos. I think this is universal.”
Justin Bieber just got booed here. Usher was cheered. Then Usher hugged Bieber. Boos. I think this is universal.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) October 31, 2014
Others at the game, added that Usher applauded his protégé after embracing him.
Fuertes abucheos para Justin Bieber al salir en pantalla junto a Usher pic.twitter.com/DpUBRy6DFK
— Marly~ESPN Deportes (@MarlyRiveraESPN) October 31, 2014
Justin’s attire on the night has drawn the usual, disparaging comment from most media commentators.
The singer wore a gray sweater, black leather pants and a large, black Fedora that some have likened to an Amish look.
Other celebrities at LeBron’s homecoming game included seminal film director Spike Lee, Kendrick Lamar, Kevin Hart, David Beckham, Joe Haden, and Johnny Manziel.
Just a couple of fans taking selfies at the game…kinda looks like @joehaden23 & @JManziel2… #AllForCLE pic.twitter.com/aFNbvy7Dj5
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 31, 2014
No doubt, Bieber is used to boos after enduring the experience at numerous basketball games, the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Fashion Rocks, and even an award show he didn’t attend.
Regardless, the singer appeared to have a good time at the Cavaliers-Knicks showdown.
As did Justin’s companions,
“Great night in Cleveland with my brothas @howuseeit and @justinbieber #CavsOpener,” Strahan tweeted.
Courtside @justinbieber @michaelstrahan #CavsOpener http://t.co/4jFgZhlc6R pic.twitter.com/2zti17Jfhy
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) October 31, 2014
sitting right behind @justinbieber and @Usher at the @Cavs game!! Great environment. pic.twitter.com/W2vWIuLZLn
— Chris Hernandez (@ChrisHern3) October 31, 2014
[Images via AP Photo/Tony Dejak/ Jason Miller/Getty Images.]
