Justin Bieber's representatives are pushing back hard against allegations that the pop star is millions of dollars in debt, following a report in The Hollywood Reporter that cited unnamed sources describing the singer as financially overstretched and emotionally adrift.
"This is just clickbait stupidity based on unnamed - and clearly ill-informed - 'sources,' disappointed that they no longer work with Justin," a spokesperson for Bieber said in a statement to People. "As Justin forges his own way forward, these unnecessary stories and inaccurate assumptions will continue. But they won't deter him from staying committed to following the right path."
The response follows a detailed THR article titled "Justin Bieber's Crisis of Faith?" which suggested Bieber, 31, owed as much as $20 million to tour promoter AEG after abruptly canceling his Justice World Tour in 2023. The report alleged that Bieber had received a $40 million advance and had only partially repaid it.
In January 2023, Bieber sold the rights to his entire music catalog for a reported $200 million to Hipgnosis Songs Capital, a move his team said was intended to provide long-term financial stability. THR claimed the original offer was $140 million and was negotiated higher by Bieber's team, including his then-manager Scooter Braun, who has since retired from artist management.
Bieber's recent behavior has prompted renewed concern from former associates and those close to him. "He is facing a lot of different demons right now," a source told People. "He is making some really poor decisions lately, further impacting friendships, money, and business."
Among the sources of stress are his strained ties with Braun, the shadow of Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal troubles-Bieber was associated with Combs in the mid-2010s-and his decision to sever ties with his fashion brand Drew House. In a since-deleted Instagram Story posted April 10, Bieber wrote, "I Justin Bieber am no longer involved in this brand. Drew House doesn't represent me or my family or life."
Bieber is reportedly working on a new fashion line called SKYLRK.
The THR profile quoted a former team member describing Bieber as "lost," adding, "There's no one protecting him because there's no one there willing to say no to him. You say no, you get blown out."
In recent weeks, Bieber has shared self-reflective messages on Instagram, referencing feelings of fraudulence and struggles with anger. On March 13, he wrote, "People told me my whole life 'wow Justin u deserve that' and I personally have always felt unworthy... Like I was a fraud." On March 22, he added: "I got anger issues too, but I wanna grow and not react so much smh."
Bieber, who canceled his 2023 tour citing health issues, has not made a public appearance with his wife Hailey Bieber in recent weeks, sparking speculation about his personal life. Neither has publicly addressed the rumors.
While insiders speculate on his well-being, Bieber's team maintains he remains committed to moving forward. "Any source that is trying to sell you a story about alleged financial distress ... either doesn't understand the entertainment industry or, more likely, is trying to paint an unflattering portrait of Justin," the rep told The Hollywood Reporter.
