Justin Bieber scraps world tour over health issues

Justin Bieber said on 6 September he is once again taking a break from touring, months after revealing he'd been diagnosed with a syndrome that caused him partial facial paralysis.

In June, the 28-year-old pop superstar had pushed back the North American leg of his "Justice" tour due to Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a complication of shingles.

Bieber recently went back on the road, performing six live shows in Europe, as well as the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil this weekend.

But on 6 September he said his return to the stage had been premature.

"This past weekend I performed at Rock in Rio and I gave everything I have to the people in Brazil. After getting offstage, the exhaustion overtook me and I realized that I need to make my health the priority right now," Bieber said.

"So I'm going to take a break from touring for the time being.

"I'm going to be OK, but I need time to rest and get better. I've been so proud to bring this show and our message of justice to the world."

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that can inflame and paralyze the facial nerve, and cause a painful rash around the ear or mouth. In addition to facial paralysis, it can cause hearing loss.

Bieber had dozens of performances across the globe scheduled through March 2023.

The singer-songwriter did not give an estimated timeline of recovery or indicate whether the "Justice" tour would ever resume.

Covid-19 had forced two postponements even before the Bieber's health began suffering.