Justin Bieber responds to Anne Frank controversy by posting shirtless pics on Instagram

Justin Bieber is in yet another bit of hot water publicity-wise after he took a tour of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam on Friday and signed the museum’s guest book, concluding with, “Hopefully [Anne Frank] would have been a belieber.” (You can read his full inscription here.)

Needless to say, the statement caused a backlash online, with angry commenters calling his words narcissistic and flippant. So what was The Biebs’ response to his critics? Was it:

A. Lay low and let the story blow over

B. Issue an apology to the museum indicating he meant no offense with the remarks

C. Tweet shirtless photos along with sarcastic, defensive remarks

The correct answer is C. Bieber posted two shirtless pics on Instagram, including the one below, which was accompanied by the caption, “‘Breaking news worldwide @justinbieber just posted 2 shirtless pictures he must be going crazy’ -funny people #forthefansanyways #dontbecreepin :p.”

The second picture was paired with the words, “‘Uh oh @justinbieber is losing it taking shirtless pics in the mirror’ -funny people.”

Of his decision to post shirtless pictures with sarcastic captions, the New York Daily News wrote, “Though he frequently posts such photos for his fans, the teen heartthrob’s latest ones only provide more of an example for those calling him vain and self-centered after the Frank controversy.”

Perhaps surprisingly, some of the people who commended Justin for taking an interest in the Holocaust and Anne Frank’s life were the people from the Anne Frank House, who posted on their Facebook page: “The Anne Frank House was pleased to welcome Justin Bieber to the Anne Frank House last Friday. We think it is very positive that he took the time and effort to visit our museum. . . . We hope that his visit will inspire his fans to learn more about her life and hopefully read the diary.”

Personally, I like to look on the positive side, and think that The Biebs had the best of intentions by going to the Anne Frank House and it’s great that a 19-year-old international pop star took the time to educate himself about a horrible, dark period of world history. That being said, clearly he should have commented on whether or not Anne Frank would have been a fan of himself, and after doing so, should have handled the situation with a little more class and maturity — save the sarcasm for reactions to articles about wearing gas masks in public or loaning million dollar vehicles to your best friend, who keeps wrecking them.

(Bottom two photos: Instagram)