Justin Bieber's prolonged absence from the music industry, coupled with reports of erratic behavior and lavish spending, is raising concern among his friends and former team members. The 31-year-old singer, who last released an album in 2021 and canceled his tour in 2022 due to Ramsay Hunt syndrome, has reportedly distanced himself from longtime associates while spending freely and appearing increasingly unstable on social media.
"People are worried about him," a source told the New York Post. "He's literally going on [Instagram] live, smoking weed and looking out of his mind." The Canadian-born pop star has not toured since pulling out of his "Justice" world tour in September 2022. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bieber forfeited $90 million in projected income and was left owing over $20 million to promoter AEG-a debt partially covered by his former manager Scooter Braun through a favorable loan.
Despite having an estimated net worth of $300 million-bolstered by a $200 million deal in 2023 to sell his music catalog-sources close to Bieber say his spending is outpacing his income. "He'll spend $300,000 at the Nobu at Coachella," a source told Page Six. "He hasn't worked in a really long time." A source close to Bieber disputed the Coachella claim, saying he did not visit Nobu.
During the April 20 weekend at Coachella, Bieber was filmed smoking marijuana beside his 15-year-old brother Jaxon, prompting his wife, Hailey Bieber, to physically steer the teen away. While the couple has not publicly commented on divorce rumors, speculation has intensified due to Bieber's absence from family photos and Hailey's increasing public profile as the founder of Rhode Skin.
Insiders also say Hailey has assumed the role of financial anchor in the marriage. "She's keeping up with the Kardashians," said a source, adding that Rhode has yet to turn a profit but could yield a substantial payout if acquired. "If they sell Rhode they'll be exponentially wealthy and I really hope they do."
Bieber's inner circle has notably thinned. Braun announced his retirement in 2024 following months of reported tension. Key aides-including Allison Kaye, Kenny Hamilton, and Lauren Walters-have also exited. The pop star has unfollowed several on Instagram. Bieber also announced he is no longer involved with his fashion brand, Drew House, saying in a now-deleted Instagram post, it "doesn't represent me or my family or life."
The departure of Ryan Good, Bieber's former best man and co-founder of Drew House, stemmed from a split with Churchome, the Beverly Hills megachurch that has grown influential in Bieber's personal and business life. "When Ryan chose to leave the church, he basically got excommunicated," a source told Page Six. Pastor Judah Smith has since taken on an outsized advisory role. "Justin started to add Judah to the boards of everything - he's buying him like $300,000 Rolexes," another source claimed.
Bieber's social media posts have oscillated between grief and introspection. Following his grandfather's recent death, he wrote: "I can't wait to see u again soon in heaven... I will miss u. I will ache." In March, he posted, "I think I hate myself sometimes when I feel myself start to become inauthentic... I got anger issues, too."
On April 6, he lashed out at paparazzi in Palm Springs, saying, "All you care about is money, not human beings." While he is reportedly nearing completion of a new album, insiders question whether Bieber is emotionally or financially prepared for a comeback.
