Failure to Tweet!! R&B crooner Justin Bieber’s manager was arrested Wednesday for his role in creating mayhem — and a near-riot — during a Bieber appearance at a Long Island mall last October.
Authorities say Scott “Scooter” Braun, 29, intentionally hindered the efforts of police as they tried to call off Bieber’s appearance at the Roosevelt Field Mall. More than 3,0000 young Bieber fans hoping to have their CDs signed by the rising young star stormed the suburban shopping center in a vicious stampede that sent nearly a dozen people to the hospital. With just 35 Nassau County Police units to control the crowd, things quickly spiraled out of control.
Prosecutors in Long Island say Braun endangered thousands of young girls to maximize publicity; Braun’s defense attorney says the manager didn’t break the law.
Cops believe they couldn’t diffuse the raging mob of teeners because a message from Bieber’s Twitter account urged fans to keep coming: “On my way to Roosevelt Field Mall in Long Island, NY to sign and meet fans! I’m pumped. See u there.” The officials insists Bieber’s people took too long to call off the event via Tweet — adding to the fracas. Officials also charge that Braun also prevented others from updating the singer’s fans.
Hempstead Police arrested Braun this morning and charged him with reckless endangerment and criminal nuisance. If convicted, he faces up to one year in prison.