Bieber publicist: Stolen laptop tweet not a hoax

SEATTLE (AP) -- Was pop star Justin Bieber's laptop actually stolen during a show in Washington state?

Bieber tweeted to his nearly 29 million followers he was victimized during the show Tuesday night at the Tacoma Dome. But questions were raised Friday about the authenticity of Bieber's claim.

Another Twitter alluded to having the laptop. The account linked to Bieber's new music video, which starts with text saying personal footage was stolen and uploaded "illegally."

That prompted suspicions the supposed theft was a hoax meant to hype the new music video, which was released Friday.

But Bieber's publicist Melissa Victor says it's not a hoax and the laptop was indeed stolen.

Tacoma police spokesman Mark Fulghum says a report was filed, but he doesn't foresee spending much time investigating.