Justin Bieber has asked fans to forgive him after he caused upset in Argentina by apparently not showing respect for their national flag.
The Baby singer has been caught on video at his concert in Buenos Aires trying to sweep away two Argentine flags that were thrown on to the stage by fans. Most musicians on world tours usually hold up the flags in appreciation to their fans.
Argentines are now expressing outrage, saying the way the star treated the flag shows he has no respect for his fans or the country.
Insulting Argentina's flag is a crime punishable by up to four years in prison.
Videos from the concert show how Justin reacted when fans tossed what appeared to be two flags on to the stage. The singer uses his shoes and then a microphone stand to sweep them off the stage.
Now Justin has tweeted that he is "shocked" by the controversy, but that he thought the item was a shirt.
"H eard 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," he wrote.
"People throw stuff on my stage ... and I get it to the stage hands to get off so no one got hurt."
He added: "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 ... I'm sorry if that was taken the wrong way and I'm sorry for my mistake.
"I hope u can accept this and I loved my time there performing for you and look forward to coming back. I gave my all and I know the fans did there too."
He added: "I would never do anything to disrespect my fans. I don't like having to defend myself but this time it was needed as I mean no disrespect. S o it is all love all around the world, thanks."