What significant changes have occurred in Justin Bieber’s personal and professional life in recent years? How does the launch of his fashion brand Skylrk represent a new direction for him? What impact did Bieber’s decision to self-manage have on his relationships within the music industry? How are his recent social media posts indicative of his current mental state? What revelations about his financial status emerged after the sale of his music catalog?
For the millions around the world wondering what Justin Bieber has been up to these past few years — since music seemingly took a back seat to his life as a full-time husband (he married Hailey Baldwin in 2018) and father (son Jack Blues was born in August) — it may be surprising to learn that the pop sensation did release something new this month.
On April 3, the 31-year-old revealed his fashion brand, Skylrk, with a video directed by 3D artist Gal Yosef that shows an animated Bieber riding an electric scooter to a house that he then promptly burns. Strewn about inside are relics of his past life, including the smiley face logo of the Drew House clothing line he started in 2019 with former friend Ryan Good (Drew is Bieber’s middle name); outside, waiting while the residence goes up in flames, is his wife with a stroller. The two kiss and walk toward the setting sun holding hands, never turning back.
That Bieber chose a scooter running out of power as a visual element was presumably no coincidence. Scott “Scooter” Braun, the manager who discovered the Canadian talent through a YouTube video in 2008, has been a constant presence in Bieber’s life from age 13 through adulthood. During their 15 years together, Bieber launched into the pop stratosphere, becoming one of the most popular artists on the planet, today boasting more than 78 million monthly listeners on Spotify, where 17 of his songs — or songs he’s been featured on — have each amassed over a billion streams. Bieber’s rise was the stuff of fairy tales. Reality, as it turns out, is a much more complicated story that’s rooted in questions of loyalty, wealth, and health.
Indeed, Bieber has been torching his past in ways that aren’t just metaphorical. Professionally, he separated from his longtime team last summer, joining a number of uber-successful musicians who self-manage, like Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Morgan Wallen. In taking the lead on his business affairs, the singer has enlisted a tight-knit crew of compatriots who share his resolve to chart a new direction. Many in his inner circle also share his faith, ascribing to the beliefs of Churchome, a nondenominational Christian community with an outpost in Beverly Hills that is run by 44-year-old pastor Judah Smith, who also serves as a spiritual adviser to Bieber.
In recent months, Bieber has been giving glimpses into his new life on social media, but whereas usually what someone presents on Instagram is the best version of themselves — the most flattering angle, an idyllic backdrop, just the right filter, and, of course, the caption conveying a life lived to its fullest — some of Bieber’s posts have been more cryptic.
“I think I hate myself sometimes when I feel myself start to become inauthentic. Then I remember we’re all being made to think we’re not enough but I still hate when I change myself to please people,” Bieber shared with his 294 million Instagram followers on March 22. That same day, he wrote, “I got anger issues, too,” adding that he wanted to “grow and not react so much.”
In other posts, Bieber shared feeling “unworthy,” like he’s “drowning and unsafe.” Further down the scroll are visuals of a hollow-eyed Bieber brazenly smoking a blunt and rapping about getting high. Recent photos of Bieber out and about show him looking gaunt and disappearing into his clothes. Off social media, he’s also displayed some questionable behavior. At the Super Bowl, Bieber was seen dancing atop a VIP suite sofa shirtless and barefoot, bewildering nearby spectators. And just last week, Bieber had a testy exchange outside a Palm Springs coffee shop, chastising a group of paparazzi: “All you care about is money, not human beings.”
For an artist whose music has lived under such hopeful banners as Purpose (the name of his fourth album) and Never Say Never (the title of his Jon Chu-directed 2011 documentary), the contrast was noticeably jarring for fans and casual observers alike (YouTube houses dozens of user-generated “What’s Going on With Justin Bieber?” commentary videos). The prevailing sentiment is that he is struggling. (Bieber’s reps refute this characterization.)
Concern for Bieber’s well-being turned into a full-on public discourse when, in January, he unfollowed a number of his former friends and associates — including Braun and deputy Allison Kaye (who, after running point on all things Bieber for the better part of two decades, resigned in January), Good (who was the best man at his wedding), and longtime security chief Kenny Hamilton (who shielded him from music industry vultures, bad actors, and others, like accused sex trafficker Diddy, according to multiple people present at the time), among others.
Now, former friends and ex-associates excised from his world, along with musical collaborators, his record company, and, of course, his fans, are coming to terms with a new chapter in the book of Bieber. And some are questioning the choices he’s making.
“Whatever he’s going through, I pray for him and hope he’s OK,” says former Bieber collaborator Poo Bear, who co-wrote some of his biggest hits, including Billboard No. 1s “Despacito,” “I’m the One,” “Where Are Ü Now,” and “What Do You Mean?”
“Seeing him disintegrate like this … it’s watching the embodiment of someone not living their purpose,” says one ex-team member. “He’s lost. 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.”
Mario Lavandeira, better known as Perez Hilton, who has been obsessively following Bieber’s every post, posits to The Hollywood Reporter, “Justin Bieber is like a male Britney Spears: He’s trolling, partly because he wants attention, and also because he thinks he’s so funny.” (In an April 10 Instagram story, Bieber joked of Stevie Wonder, “This fool never sees my FaceTimes.”)
To that end, a source close to the singer offers that Bieber is just doing as media-savvy pop stars do. “Artists are artists — they don’t look at the world the way you and I do,” says the insider, who laughs off the notion that Bieber is in distress. “He’s healthier than all of us — physically and mentally.”
“He’s managing himself through his own family office now, and there’s skepticism on if he can do it alone,” says Chris Anokute, a veteran music executive who’s worked extensively with Katy Perry. “He’s leaving home for the first time. He’s building a business without the team that took him here. I’m sure he’s feeling that pressure. But he can [do it]. At the end of the day, Justin Bieber is a star, and consumers still want Justin Bieber. … He’s showing a lot of courage and foresight on what the industry is going to look like in the future.”
Justin Bieber’s Crisis of Faith? Why Fans, Insiders Are Concerned
In recent years, Justin Bieber has experienced a remarkable career resurgence, transitioning from a troubled teen pop sensation to a more mature artist who openly discusses faith, mental health, and personal growth. However, despite his apparent stability, whispers of a “crisis of faith” have emerged from both fans and industry insiders, causing concern about the star’s emotional well-being and spiritual journey.
Justin Bieber’s journey has been anything but typical. Bursting onto the music scene as a teenage heartthrob, his early success was met with the usual trappings of fame—parties, award shows, and the relentless scrutiny of the media. However, by his early twenties, Bieber found himself grappling with a series of personal and public crises, including legal issues, challenges with substance abuse, and a very public relationship with model Hailey Baldwin that added both love and pressure to his already complex life. Amidst this turmoil, Bieber turned to faith, seeking solace in his Christian beliefs and often sharing his spiritual journey with his fans.
In 2020, Bieber released his fifth studio album, “Changes,” which reflected his struggles, growth, and renewed faith. He spoke openly about his experiences in interviews, highlighting the importance of faith as a cornerstone for overcoming personal challenges. This vulnerability resonated deeply with fans, many of whom admired his commitment to self-improvement and spirituality. However, as time went on, some began to notice subtle shifts that suggested Bieber might be facing another tumultuous period.
Fans began to voice concerns when Bieber’s social media activity became sporadic and less uplifting. The motivational quotes and biblical references that once filled his Instagram feed gave way to vague posts that hinted at his struggles. In his interviews, Bieber appeared more guarded, often deflecting questions about his faith with ambiguous statements. "It’s a journey for everyone," he said in a recent interview, which left many contemplating the depth of his crisis.
Adding to the concern are recent reports from insiders close to the star. Sources have indicated that Bieber has been feeling the pressure of balancing his career with the intense expectations placed upon him by fans. As an artist who has openly leaned on his faith, Justin’s perceived shift away from that foundation has left both supporters and friends worried about his spiritual health. "It’s hard for anyone in that spotlight to stay grounded," remarked one industry insider. "There are always pressures to conform to what the world expects."
The unpredictable nature of fame can be particularly isolating, and for someone like Bieber, whose life has been a rollercoaster of public adoration and scandal, the challenge of maintaining a strong spiritual identity in such a tumultuous environment is immense. Friends and acquaintances have expressed concern that Bieber’s renewed focus on music and public life may be distracting him from the values that he has publicly endorsed.
Another layer of complexity surrounds Bieber’s marriage to Hailey Baldwin. Although the couple often presents a united front, insiders reveal that the dynamics of their relationship have at times caused strains, especially with Bieber’s ongoing battle with mental health issues. The couple has often leaned on their faith as a source of strength, attending church together and supporting each other’s personal growth. Still, the pressures of high-profile relationships can often lead to difficulties in communication and understanding. The balance between maintaining faith while navigating personal challenges and industry pressures is delicate, and the concern is that Justin may find himself struggling to keep it all together.
Moreover, Justin’s candid discussions about his mental health and his vulnerability in admitting moments of doubt have sparked conversations about the importance of self-care and support systems. These dialogues often reference the belief that faith can serve as a tool for healing but also highlight that faith can fluctuate with an individual’s emotional state. The recognition that faith is not a linear journey resonates broadly, contributing to the dialogue around Bieber’s current struggles.
Bieber’s journey is a reminder of the complex relationship many celebrities have with faith and spirituality—one filled with peaks and valleys. As he navigates life as a revered artist, public figure, and husband, his struggles may amplify feelings of anxiety and doubt, particularly among fans who have come to see him as a beacon of hope and recovery.
In these challenging times, it is imperative that fans and industry peers offer support rather than judgment. The importance of understanding and compassion cannot be overstated, as even those who have found strength in faith at one point can experience moments of doubt. Whether or not Bieber is in a period of crisis is yet to be determined, but the concern surrounding him speaks volumes about the expectations placed upon public figures. His story reminds us all of the need for grace in our journeys of faith, personal struggle, and the ever-evolving path of life.
Justin Bieber has been a central figure in pop music for over a decade, captivating fans with his talent and charm. However, recent developments have sparked concern among his followers and insiders regarding his emotional and spiritual well-being.
Reports suggest that Bieber has been grappling with personal challenges, including mental health issues and the pressures of fame. This struggle has led some to question his faith, particularly given his previous openness about his Christian beliefs and the role they played in his life and career.
Fans have noted changes in Bieber’s public demeanor and social media presence, leading to speculation about his mental state. Insiders indicate that he has sought support through therapy and close relationships, but the journey seems to be fraught with difficulties. The intense scrutiny of his life as a celebrity can exacerbate these issues, leaving him feeling isolated.
Supporters express their concern through social media, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion during tough times. Many hope that Bieber can find stability and peace, whether through spirituality, support systems, or personal growth.
Bieber’s story serves as a reminder of the struggles that can accompany fame, and the need for supportive communities around individuals facing such challenges. The path to healing is often non-linear, and understanding from fans and loved ones can play a crucial role in that journey.