Environmental officials in Iceland blame Justin Bieber for the need to permanently close hiking trails in a pristine canyon.
The Beliebers have flocked to the site of his music video “I’ll Show You.” They’ve attempted to bribe park rangers, disregarded fenced areas and trampled on fragile terrain. One ranger said they were offered “a free trip to Dubai” to allow a group to trespass.
Since Bieber made the music video four years ago, tourism to Iceland has quadrupled. The nation’s environment minister said, “Rash behavior by one famous person can dramatically impact an entire area if the crowds follow.”
A few months ago, officials temporarily closed the paths. But Beliebers continue to defy the rules. So the government had no option but to permanently block many of the paths. (The Guardian)