Justin Bieber cancels Purpose world tour due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

Bizarre report claims cancellation is so pop star can form his own church - more likely it's due to burnout from his relentless touring for the past two years

Justin Bieber has cancelled the remaining dates of his Purpose World tour, citing "unforeseen circumstances".

The pop star apologised to his fans after the announcement, which affects 14 dates in Asia and North America which were due to take place over the next three months.

A statement on Bieber's website read: "Justin loves his fans and hates to disappoint them. He is grateful and honoured to have shared that experience with his cast and crew for over 150 successful shows across six continents during this run.

"However, after careful consideration he has decided he will not be performing any further dates. Tickets will be refunded at point of purchase."

Most of the remaining dates were in the US, but the singer was also due to perform in Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

A rather bizarre report by an Australia-based Channel Nine entertainment reporter claimed that Bieber was quitting his tour because he wanted to start his own church.

Richard Wilkins claimed he had received the information from an inside, unnamed source.

"We know that Bieber was in [Australia] a few weeks ago having meetings and attending the big Hillsong convention that they had here. He's very close to a lot of the Hillsong people," Wilkins said.

"Whether he's looking at teaming up with them in something of a more permanent situation or doing some sort of religious activity on his own - starting his own church - we're not quite sure, but that's the word from an inside source."

The more likely reason is simply that Bieber is suffering from burnout after being almost constantly on tour for the past two years.

Speaking to TMZ he said: “I'm sorry for anybody who feels disappointed or betrayed. I have been on tour for two years. I'm looking forward to just resting, getting some relaxation and we're going to ride some bikes.”

Bieber was recently banned from mainland China for what Chinese officials called "bad behaviour". He headlined this year's British Summer Time festival in London - you can read our review here.