Justin Bieber's deepening relationship with Churchome pastor Judah Smith has sparked mounting concern among former friends and close associates, some of whom now question whether the pop star is entangled in a cult-like environment. The concerns have intensified following the release of What Happened to Justin Bieber, a new documentary that explores the Canadian singer's mental health, public withdrawal, and fracturing relationships.
Bieber, 31, has been affiliated with the celebrity-driven Churchome since at least 2010. The Beverly Hills-based megachurch, led by Smith, has drawn scrutiny for its alleged insularity and influence over high-profile members. In the documentary, sources describe Bieber's growing isolation and the severing of ties with long-time friend Ryan Good, who served as both best man at Bieber's wedding and creative director of his fashion brand, Drew House.
Good reportedly left the church after concluding it operated like a cult. Soon after, Bieber cut him off. According to TMZ, Smith and Bieber also confronted Scooter Braun, the singer's former manager, over his Jewish faith, and similarly questioned Good about his sex life.
Despite criticism, Smith has dismissed the allegations, stating, "What kind of a cult only meets once a month?"
The documentary also details comments from Bieber's Churchome-linked business manager that raised further concerns, as well as episodes that point to broader instability in the singer's personal life. Good publicly voiced alarm in April following Bieber's erratic behavior at Coachella and emotionally charged social media posts. He revealed that he had not spoken to Bieber in over a year.
Bieber has recently posted messages interpreted as pleas for divine intervention, including one in which he appeared to be "begging God for help." These developments have fueled speculation that the singer may be experiencing a mental and spiritual crisis.
Separately, Bieber has publicly addressed growing speculation over his past relationship with Sean "Diddy" Combs, who is facing multiple federal charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. The singer's name resurfaced following a viral video showing him spending time with Combs as a minor. Some fans called the footage "disturbing."
Bieber, through his representatives, issued a statement denying any victimization. "Although Justin is not among Sean Combs' victims, there are individuals who were genuinely harmed by him. Shifting focus away from this reality detracts from the justice these victims rightfully deserve."
Sources close to the situation told RadarOnline and TMZ that Combs never abused Bieber, and that his interactions with the disgraced music mogul were more performative and limited. Insiders claimed Bieber was closer to Combs' sons than to Combs himself.
Following Combs' arrest in September on multiple charges, including two counts of sex trafficking and one count of racketeering conspiracy, a source said Bieber was "done" engaging with the situation. "Bieber is so disturbed by the Diddy news and is unwilling to process it or discuss it, so he has shut off," the source said. "Justin hasn't been responding on this since the home raids. He's not going to."
