Why did Justin Bieber quit Instagram? Here are 6 other celebrities who left social media from Zayn Malik to Nicki Minaj
JUSTIN Bieber has sensationally removed himself from Instagram but what prompted him to do it and which other stars have shut down their social media in the past?
Over the weekend the Justin Bieber, 22, posted a series of snaps with his new girlfriend on Instagram, Sofia Richie, 17, but when he received abuse from some fans he threatened to make his account private.
He captioned one of the black and white photos:“I’m gonna make my Instagram private if you guys don’t stop the hate this is getting out of hand, if you guys are really fans you wouldn’t be so mean to people that I like.”
His fans became incredibly upset that the 22-year-old had seemed to put Sofia before them and even started the hashtag #RIPBeliebers!
But in a shocking turn of events, Justin's ex Selena Gomez stepped and blasted the singer by reportedly commenting:“If you can’t handle the hate then stop posting pictures of your girlfriend lol -it should be special between you two only.”
She added: “Don’t be mad at your fans. The love you. They were there for you before anyone.”
The comments sparked a string of heated messages between the pair, including one which appeared to suggest that Selena had cheated on Justin with ex One Direction star Zayn Malik.
The fight has now prompted the I'm Sorry singer to shut down his Instagram - but it's not certain whether he's just deactivated his account or deleted it forever.
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This isn't the first time a celebrity has decided to take themselves off social media - here are 5 other stars who followed in the same footsteps as Justin Bieber.
1. Azealia Banks
Azealia Banks has proved to be a very controversial character on social media having previously calling Zayn Malik a “token sandn****” and “f****t.”
But at the beginning of this month Azealia vowed to quit social media after claiming she was "I'm seriously tired of people’s feelings. I'm tired of seeing their overly sensitive reactions and responses to everything."
However, it seems her absence from Twitter was short-lived because last week she reignited her feud with Zayn Malik by making a transphobic comment about the singer.
She commented: “He legit looks like he used to be a girl. He gives me transman teas.”
2. Ed Sheeran
Another star who decided to quit social media was British singer songwriter Ed Sheeran.
In December last year Ed announced on his Facebook page that he would be "Taking a break from my phone, emails and all social media for a while."
The 24-year-old explained his decision saying,"I've had such an amazing ride over the last five years but I find myself seeing the world through a screen and not my eyes so i'm taking this opportunity of me not having to be anywhere or do anything to travel the world and see everything I missed."
And Ed has been true to his word, having not written anything on Twitter, Facebook or posted any photos on Instagram.
3. Demi Lovato
In June American singer songwriter Demi Lovato also decided to quit all social media apps, except Snapchat.
She announced the news in a string of tweets, writing: , "Damn, I gotta quit sayin [sic] s***. Bye Twitter" before continuing "And Insta" and finally saying "I like snapchat cause I don't have to see what some of y'all say."
But it seems the 23-year-old had a pretty quick change of heart as she was back on Twitter less than 24 hours later writing: "F*** this.. I'm back b******. And I'm coming back more honest than ever."
Before praising her fans: "I love my Lovatics too much to leave them over some lame ass haters.. What was I thinking?!"
4. Zayn Malik
Back in August 2012, former One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik quit Twitter after he became sick of being trolled with abusive messages.
The then 19-year-old tweeted: “The reason i don't tweet as much as i use to, is because I'm sick of all the useless opinions and hate that i get daily goodbye twitter :)
"My fans that have something nice to say can tweet me on the one direction account , :) x"
But fortunately for fans Zayn re-activated his social media account just two days later, announcing "Sorry, I was getting some abuse on twitter but I don't want to let my fans down. So I am back!! :) x"
5. Iggy Azalea
Another star who became tired of trolls abusing her on social media was Iggy Azalea who quit Instagram in March 2015.
The 24-year-old wrote: "Until further notice Iggy's Instagram will be run by management. Iggy is taking a break from social media. She loves all her Azaleans!!"
But since the post last year, it seems the Australian singer has taken control of her own social media again as her multiple Instagram selfies imply.
6. Nicki Minaj
The American rapper also pulled the plug on her social media profiles in April 2012 after a fansite NickiDaily leaked tracks from her album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.
She tweeted: "And that's exactly why I'm paying the barbz DUST right now! And deleting my twitter. Smdh - don't cry for me argentina.
"Like seriously, its but so much a person can take. Good f***ing bye."
But after a week off the social media site, Nicki reemerged writing: "*salutes the nation of Pinkslam* *hugs the barbz* *kisses the barbz*"