An Icelandic canyon is set to close down for repairs, and the blame is being pointed at Justin Bieber fans.
After the singer’s music video for ‘I’ll Show You’ was filmed there in 2015, the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon has seen a huge rise in visitor numbers and endured extensive damage as a result.
CNN Travel has reported that the canyon saw visitor numbers increasing by a hefty 80 percent, and the extensive damage is being attributed to the resulting rise in foot traffic.
Daníel Freyr Jónsson, head of Iceland’s environment agency explained: “This canyon was somewhat unknown, the great increase in foot traffic began after Bieber came. There has been an increase of 50 percent to 80 percent between 2016, 2017 and 2018.”
The visuals for ‘I’ll Show You’ have accumulated over 440 million views on YouTube, and focused on Bieber as he explored the canyon and bathing in a nearby stream.
Director of Visit Iceland Inga Hlin Palsdottir, said: “We need to build a better infrastructure there so we can invite people all year round. We need paths that can be discovered all year round. It’s not only because of nature, it’s a safety issue.”
Earlier this month, Justin Bieber opened up about his mental health struggles via Instagram, asking fans to “pray for him”.
