‘Rolling Stone’ Corrects Itself on Bieber’s Abortion Stance

Daniel D'Addario — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 14:40:14 -0400

Justin Bieber's forthcoming Rolling Stone cover has already merited a correction; the teen star's stance on abortion, definitely an important thing about which to know, is not quite as absolutist as it initially appeared! The quote from the initial interview, via Popdust:

"I really don't believe in abortion," Bieber says. "It's like killing a baby?" How about in cases of rape? "Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that."

Rolling Stone's corrected quote, which acknowledges an "editing error," reads:

"Um. Well, I think that's really sad, but everything happens for a reason. I don't know how that would be a reason. I guess I haven't been in that position, so I wouldn't be able to judge that."

The edited version reflects Bieber's uncertainty and confusion about the issue, rather than a glib absolutism (as it first appeared). No word yet from the magazine's representatives on how the error came to their attention, though writer Vanessa Grigoriadis Tweeted: "online version removed a line" and printed the line in full, yesterday. (She also noted that Bieber, due to his far-reaching cultural influence, "deserves to be asked all questions," including ones about thorny political issues.)

ddaddario@observer.com :: @DPD_

Observer » ‘Rolling Stone’ Corrects Itself on Bieber’s Abortion Stance

‘Rolling Stone’ Corrects Itself on Bieber’s Abortion Stance