Justin Bieber Pot Photos Surface, Singer Promises to "Be Better"

Photos of Justin Bieber smoking marijuana have surfaced, with the singer acknowledging the incident and making a pledge to fans.

TMZ posted the scandalous Bieber pictures, which were snapped at a party inside a Newport Beach hotel on January 2.

That's the day after a member of the paparazzi was killed in pursuit of Bieber, after claiming to a friend that he saw the artist smoking up while driving.

Insiders tell the site that Bieber's close friend Lil Twist was rolling blunts for all attendees at the event, while the star's security detail was also present.

Following the release of the pictures, Justin hit up Twitter and issued the following statement:

“Everyday growing and learning. trying to be better. u get knocked down, u get up. back on tour tomorrow. ready to see u all smile. time to do what im supposed to be doing. performing. #BELIEVEtour

i see all of u. i hear all of u. i never want to let any of you down. i love u. and..thank u. #beliebers. like i said…2013…new challenges. new doubters…Im ready. We are ready. see u all tomorrow and everyday after that. #BELIEVEtour”