Justin Bieber's repayment of more than $31 million owed to HYBE, the South Korean entertainment company formerly linked to his ex-manager Scooter Braun, hinges on the finalization of Hailey Bieber's blockbuster sale of her Rhode beauty brand, according to sources familiar with the matter.
TMZ first reported that under the terms of the financial settlement, Bieber is not obligated to repay the multimillion-dollar debt until the Rhode deal is fully closed and funded. The $1 billion sale, announced earlier this year, involved multiple investors, but insiders say Justin will walk away with an estimated $50 million cut-enough to cover the HYBE settlement.
The outstanding balance stems largely from Braun's company fronting $26 million to AEG after Bieber abruptly canceled his Justice World Tour in 2022. In addition, Bieber owes $11 million in back commissions. Braun agreed to waive an additional $8 million, bringing the total settlement down to approximately $31.5 million.
Scooter Braun, who exited HYBE earlier this year, will not directly receive any of the money. "It all goes to HYBE," a source clarified. The delay in payment has fueled speculation online, with critics questioning why Bieber couldn't pay off the debt using proceeds from his $200 million music catalog sale in 2022. "There's not enough left, after taxes, managers, accountants, lawyers, spending, etc.," a source told TMZ.
Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber's representatives pushed back hard against rumors that her Rhode proceeds were being used to bail out her husband's finances. "The historic sale of Rhode is a huge accomplishment for Hailey and is completely separate from her husband and his business affairs," a rep stated.
Hailey's $1 billion deal with e.l.f. Beauty was hailed as a milestone in celebrity entrepreneurship. One insider noted, "She built Rhode into a billion-dollar brand, cashed out at the peak, and now she's using that momentum to help launch Justin's next chapter."
That next chapter appears to involve SKYLRK, Justin's new fashion venture. Sources say Hailey is turning her attention toward supporting the launch, assisting with creative strategy and product development. "She is trying to be a mogul, and she is on her way," the insider added.
Despite the professional ambitions, speculation over the couple's personal life continues to swirl. The pair has repeatedly denied rumors of marital strife. Earlier this month, Justin shared photos of himself and Hailey on vacation in Spain. But conspiracy theories erupted online, with some claiming the woman in the photos was not Hailey.
"Hailey has shown the patience of a saint, putting up with Justin and his erratic behavior for many months now," a source said. "She's never wavered in her support, and there's no question she still loves him dearly."
Addressing the growing chatter, Hailey fired back at critics via Instagram, reposting an image of Justin's Swag billboard in Times Square. "Is it finally clocking to you f------ losers?" she wrote.
