Justin Bieber ‘just resting’ in California after quitting world tour

Media tracked Bieber to the southern California beach city of Santa Monica after his decision to pull out of the remaining 14 dates of his Purpose world tour.

Bieber, 23, had been on tour since March 2016, playing more than 150 dates around the world before cancelling the last shows in North America and Asia on Monday.

He told TMZ late on Monday that he was fine, and was looking forward to “just resting and getting some relaxation.”

“I’ve been on tour for two years,” Bieber added in the video, posted on the TMZwebsite.

“I love you guys, I think you guys are awesome. I’m sorry for anyone who feels, like, disappointed or betrayed, it’s not in my heart or anything and have a blessed day,” he said in a message to fans.

Bieber’s sudden decision to quit, citing only “unforeseen circumstances,” caused concern and frustration among his fans and led to speculation he wants to set up his very own church.

Bieber recently attended the Hillsong conference in Sydney. Channel Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins claimed this might have inspired the singer.

“I am led to believe that the real reason he’s come off the road is because he wants to reconnect with his faith and maybe even planning to start his own Church,” Wilkins said on Today Extra.

Bieber’s decision to pull out brought support, including from American singer-songwriter John Mayer.

Mayer gave Bieber credit for looking after his mental health.

“When someone pulls remaining dates of a tour, it means they would have done real damage to themselves if they kept going. We’ve lost so many great artists lately. I give Justin (two thumbs up) for realising it was time to call it,” Mayer tweeted.

Bieber’s manager, Scooter Braun, also apologised but said the Canadian-born Bieber’s “soul and wellbeing” are the top priority.

Braun said in an Instagram posting late on Monday that Bieber “gave it all night after night.” “On behalf of myself, Justin, and the team, we are sorry. That was never our intent. But a man’s soul and wellbeing I truly care about came first and we must all respect and honour that,” Braun added.

Bieber, who has had several run-ins with the law after shedding his clean-cut teen image, was banned last week from performing in China for what authorities there called his bad behaviour.