Justin Bieber is making headlines as footage of what appears to be him performing live reportedly at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles makes the rounds.
Fox 11 Los Angeles and the California Post reported that the Grammy winner performed at MacArthur Park on Tuesday, Sept. 22 with the latter news outlet sharing footage of him performing his song “Yukon.”
A representative for Bieber did not immediately respond to the USA TODAY Network’s inquiry seeking confirmation of his surprise appearance. Footage shared on social media captures other moments of his appearance, and a setlist for his apparent MacArthur Park show was published online.
Bieber’s apparent appearance at the park caught the attention of officials serving Los Angeles, such as the county
district attorney.
“@justinbieber performing an impromptu set at MacArthur Park — a testament to the progress we are achieving to take back the park from drug dealers and enliven it for families — he’s definitely on the invite list for next year’s Labor Day weekend picnic!” Nathan Hochman said on X.
MacArthur Park has been challenged by drugs and homelessness. Authorities arrested two people they said are believed to be the main sources of fentanyl and meth in the area in May in an operation that resulted in 18 people charged with federal drug trafficking.
It was also the site of a federal immigration enforcement sweep last year.
The Labor Day picnic invite refers to Hochman reportedly hosting a picnic at MacArthur Park during the holiday weekend this year.
"MacArthur Park is no place for drug use, violence, or organized crime," Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement in June. "I have directed the LAPD to utilize every resource available to stop the flow of narcotics and stolen merchandise in the park and surrounding area."
The mayor said her office will continue working toward restoring MacArthur Park through a comprehensive strategy that "goes beyond law enforcement, including the deployment of violence prevention services, enhanced park programming, the increased deployment of City sanitation crews, and the installation of permanent infrastructure to protect park facilities.”
Hochman wasn't the only official who commented on the MacArthur Park gig, either.
“Bieber in MacArthur Park. That’s progress,” said Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
“Amazing what can happen when criminals and drug dealers are removed from public spaces,” he said on X.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Justin Bieber's reported MacArthur Park gig is getting attention
