Judge Gives Split Decision On Release Of All Bieber Videos
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Videos showing Justin Bieber giving a urine sample at the Miami Beach Police Department following his January arrest on suspicion of DUI will be released, but at certain clips will need to be censored so as to not show the pop star's private parts, a judge decided Tuesday.
Judge William Altfield ruled while the media has a right to know and disseminate the videos, Bieber also retains a right to privacy and some of the images in the video should be redacted.
"Mr. Bieber's right to privacy is paramount," Judge Altfield said. "The court finds that there exists a right to privacy as it relates to the exposure and dissemination of the defendant's genitalia. As such, any images that depict genitalia shall be restricted from disclosure."
Judge Altfield was hearing a motion for injunctive relief/protective order to restrict the disclosure of a few videos of Justin Bieber while he was in the Miami Beach jail. Originally, Judge Altfield had issued a temporary injunction blocking the release of five of the videos of Bieber in jail.
"I think it's what we thought was going to happen," said Scott Ponce, an attorney representing several media outlets including CBS 4. "I think it would be a difficult proposition to say the public has a right to see his private parts."
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Bieber's defense attorney, Roy Black, seemed satisfied with the ruling.
"Even Mr. Bieber has a right of privacy and I think it's important for the citizens of Florida to know its courts recognize their rights of privacy," Black said.
The famed attorney went on to say the three other videos, some of which appear to show Bieber's friend and co-defendant Khalil Sharieff, were captured at such an angle that makes it difficult to see what is happening in the clip.
Bieber was arrested earlier this year on multiple charges after police said he was involved in a drag race on Miami Beach.
The judge ordered the state attorney's office to provide a video technician who will be shown by Altfield which portions of the video must be redacted.
No date has been given when the videos may be finished and released by the court.
Black waived his client's right to a speedy trial Tuesday.
A hearing was scheduled for March 11 at 11 a.m. to set a trial date.
