Source Reveals Justin Bieber Retirement Announcement 'Was a Joke'

US Magazine is reporting that yesterday's tweet from pop superstar Justin Bieber announcing his retirement from the music industry was just a joke to point out how gullible the news media was.

On Christmas Eve, the 19-year-old took to Twitter to share the surprising news with his fans, tweeting, "My beloved beliebers I'm officially retiring." He went on to add, "The media talks a lot about me. They make a up a lot of lies and want me to fail but I'm never leaving you, being a belieber is a lifestyle."

He concluded: "Be kind loving to each other, forgive each other as god forgave us through Christ Merry Christmas IM HERE FOREVER."

Today, a source close to the singer revealed, "He isn't retiring, clearly. It was a joke and he explained in two tweets afterwards! He is basically poking fun of how quickly news spreads without anyone vetting if it is true or not."

Regardless of the authenticity of the tweet, the controversy has become a great marketing tool for the teenage hearththrob who is currently promoting his newest documentary film 'Believe', which hit theaters yesterday. The singer has been involved in a recent string of controversies, ranging from underage drinking to spray-painting public property in Australia.

Bieber has received numerous awards, including both Artist of the Year Awards at the 2010 American Music Awards and the 2012 American Music Awards, and was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

With a global fan base, termed as "Beliebers", and over 40 million followers on Twitter, he was named by Forbes magazine in 2012 as the third-most powerful celebrity in the world.