Justin Bieber Tells Fans 'It's Not Me Being An Asshole'

Justin Bieber is in crisis ... he doesn't want people to treat him like a pop star anymore, but the reality is ... he is, and that triggered a meltdown onstage.

The Biebs was performing in Manchester Sunday when he threw a tantrum after his fans would not stop screaming ... he stormed offstage and threw the mic down in a rage. JB came back a few minutes later.

It seems Justin wants to shed his pop star past, especially with his new adult music. But his fan base is still very much "Boyfriend," and he clearly can't handle it.