Justin Bieber's representatives are forcefully denying widespread speculation that the singer has returned to using hard drugs, dismissing the rumors as "exhausting and pitiful" while insisting that the pop star is in a "transformative" period of his life.
"The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true," Bieber's rep told TMZ on Sunday, responding to increasing chatter on social media over his physical appearance and behavior in recent public outings. "Despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive."
Concerns about Bieber's health escalated after recent photos showed him looking visibly gaunt, with dark circles under his eyes, prompting speculation that he was struggling with substance abuse. However, sources close to Bieber say that his appearance was simply due to exhaustion. According to TMZ, Bieber had been recording music overnight and caring for his newborn son, Jack Blues, before being photographed.
Bieber, 30, has been open about his past struggles with drug use. In a 2019 Vogue interview, he admitted that during his Purpose tour, he was using Xanax and other substances, leading to dangerous situations. "Drugs put a screen between me and what I was doing. It got pretty dark," Bieber said at the time. "I think there were times when my security was coming in late at night to check my pulse and see if I was still breathing."
His representatives, however, insist that those days are long behind him. "Justin's priorities aren't about scoring a quick fix," the rep told TMZ. "He is actively parenting his newborn son with Hailey, working on new music, and getting excited for his 31st birthday later this week."
Speculation about Bieber's well-being intensified after a video surfaced last week showing him in a seemingly erratic state while interacting with fans at a Rhode pop-up event in Los Angeles. Social media users were quick to suggest that he was under the influence, but sources close to Bieber refuted those claims, saying he was simply "having a nice, giggly interaction" with a fan while supporting his wife's business.
Bieber's personal life has also been the subject of scrutiny. Earlier this year, fans noticed that he briefly unfollowed his wife, Hailey Bieber, on Instagram, sparking rumors of marital trouble. The singer later denied the speculation, claiming, "Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. S- is getting suss out here."
Sources told Us Weekly that Bieber has actually been in "one of the best places in his life" despite the negative media attention. "There's no breakdown," an insider said. "He just really doesn't care what people think."
Hailey Bieber has publicly stood by her husband's side, addressing his past struggles and celebrating his progress. "I just wanted him to be happy and be good and be safe and feel joy," she told Vogue. "To do it without a program, and to stick with it without a sober coach or AA or classes-I think it's extraordinary. He is, in ways, a walking miracle."
Bieber, who got sober in 2014, has openly acknowledged his past use of marijuana and stronger substances but has maintained that he no longer uses prescription pills or other illicit drugs. His representatives say that, aside from occasional social drinking, Bieber has maintained his sobriety for nearly a decade.
