Justin Bieber 'Blackmailed' Over Stolen Pics

A thief who stole Justin Bieber's laptop and camera is threatening to release personal material if the Canadian singer does not give in to his demands.

The 18-year-old star revealed the theft on his Twitter feed after performing in Tacoma in Washington State.

He posted a message to his fans who were at the gig, saying: "thank you to WASHINGTON state last night. U GUYS WERE LOUD!!!! MUCH LOVE!"

But when Bieber was made aware of the threat to release personal photos and videos he later tweeted: "sucks when u take personal footage and people dont respect your privacy.

"yesterday during the show me and my tour manager josh had some stuff stolen. really sucks. people should respect other's property.

"i had a lot of personal footage on that computer and camera and that is what bothers me the most. #lame #norespect."

Someone calling himself gwexy, who opened a new Twitter account presumably just for that purpose, sent an open tweet to Bieber saying: "@justinbieber dm (direct message) me, i have a propesition."

It is not known if gewxy really is the person who took the laptop and camera, or what the terms of his "propesition" were.

Bieber presumably did not respond to gwexy's request, because he made a follow-up tweet saying: "oy you g** t*** dm me."

But Bieber's fans - who are collectively known as Beliebers - were quick to come to the star's defence.

One said: "STOP CALLING HIM THAT. HE DID NOTHING TO YOU."

Another exclaimed: "Leave justin alone. Thief."

Justin Bieber Radio, a fan site based in India, asked gwexy: "you think you can do it??? LOL u r a jerk not more than that."

Gwexy then posted more abuse directed at the superstar.

If Bieber does not give in to the thief's demands, the images and videos are expected to be uploaded on various places on the internet, including YouTube.

But the singer appeared to be positive ahead of his forthcoming gig in his homeland, tweeting: "about to see my fans...my beliebers...and it's gonna BE ALRIGHT."