The joke was very much on Justin Bieber as a host of A-list friends and peers celebrated his birthday with a no-holds-barred comedy roast.
Bieber, who turned 21 earlier this month, was roasted by Martha Stewart, Shaquille O'Neal, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Chris D'Elia, Jeff Ross and Pete Davidson, while Will Ferrell took on his Ron Burgundy persona from the film Anchorman.
The stars gathered in LA last night to take aim at the singer at the recording of the comedy roast for Comedy Central.
Roast Master Kevin Hart led the light-hearted attacks. "This is like suicide. Why would you do it?" Hart asked the singer, whom he described as a "huge success that confuses everybody over 14."
"The name Bieber has become so offensive, the Washington Redskins think you should change it," offered US comic Jeffrey Ross.
The roasters made fun of Bieber's bad behaviour, his relationship with Selena Gomez, his music and his appearance.
A star-studded audience laughed along at Bieber’s expense, including the likes of Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen and Carly Rae Jepson.
The pint-sized pop star seemed to take it all in his stride, appearing in a dapper tailored blue suit and playing along with many of the acts.
At the end of the event, held at the Sony Studios, LA, the Canadian singer gave a contrition speech to apologise for recent bad behaviour.
"I turned a lot of people off over the past few years, but I know I can still turn out good music and turn everything all around," said Bieber, whose recent offstage antics have included reckless driving, public urination and throwing eggs at a neighbour's home.
"I've lost some of my best qualities. For that, I am sorry," he said. "I'm looking forward to being someone who you guys can all look at and be proud of."
The Roast of Justin Biebers airs on Comedy Central UK Tuesday 31 March at 10pm.
