Justin Bieber's bad luck continues: Can he come back from this?

Foreign reports are stirring the pot, claiming a PwC audit found Justin Bieber owing $8.8 million, with part of that tied to his former agent, Scooter Braun. The two parted ways professionally in 2023 after a financial dispute, ending a partnership that started when Braun discovered Bieber on YouTube.

According to the audit, the debt comes from a Hybe loan Braun arranged to cover losses from Bieber’s canceled Justice tour in 2022. Bieber agreed to repay it over 10 years but stopped after one payment, saying he was strapped for cash.

The Dispute: Both Sides Dig In

Bieber’s team pushed back, alleging Braun took $26 million in “excessive” commissions over the years. But a Hybe internal audit countered that Braun was actually underpaid and even forfeited $1 million he was owed. The PwC audit backed this up, confirming Bieber’s debt. His team didn’t dispute the findings but conducted their own audit, keeping the results private.

Bieber’s Response: “Clickbait Nonsense”

Bieber’s camp isn’t fazed by the headlines. A spokesperson called the debt reports “clickbait nonsense” that misrepresents the situation, insisting Bieber’s focused on new music and life as a new dad (he and Hailey welcomed their first child in 2024). “Anyone peddling financial distress stories doesn’t get the entertainment industry or is trying to hurt Justin’s image,” they said. Bieber himself got candid on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt note: “Sometimes I think I’m too damaged for God to use me, but He uses me with all my flaws… I choose to let His love shape my day.”

The 2022 Money Crunch

This isn’t Bieber’s first financial hiccup. In 2022, TMZ reported he was on the brink of “financial collapse.” To stabilize things, he sold his music catalog for $200 million, becoming the youngest artist to make such a deal. Braun advised waiting until 2023 for tax benefits, but Bieber went ahead by year-end. He also owes $24 million to AEG, the Justice tour promoter, after taking a $40 million advance and canceling early. These debts, plus other losses, are weighing heavy.

Beyond the Numbers: Family and Faith

Bieber’s not just navigating money troubles: his personal life’s under scrutiny too. Rumors of marital issues with Hailey have surfaced, but he’s denied divorce talk, and the couple appears solid. Sources say he’s working on new music and adjusting to fatherhood, though concerns about his mental health linger. His faith remains a cornerstone, evident in his emotional posts about finding strength in God’s love.

What’s Next for Bieber?

Can Bieber turn things around? His fans think so, flooding social media with support. With new music in the works and a family to ground him, he’s got plenty to fight for. Whether he’s settling debts or reclaiming the spotlight, one thing’s clear: Bieber’s story is far from over, and his believers are cheering him on.