Lately, his music star power’s been overshadowed by speculation surrounding his health, behavior, and relationship with his wife, Hailey Bieber.
After they tied the knot in 2018, Justin and Hailey have constantly dodged divorce rumors and fans reading into family social media posts. Earlier this year, Justin was even forced to address fans who noticed that his Instagram account had unfollowed Hailey’s. “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. Shit is getting suss out here,” he wrote on his IG story.
On Feb. 20, Justin posted a lengthy message about maturing on his IG story set to “Free Fallin'” by John Mayer. “Its time to grow up,” he wrote. “Changing is about letting go! Not trying harder! Are you tired of trying to follow all of the rules in hopes to get the results you crave? I’ve found love to be more powerful than rules.”
In the same month, Justin faced accusations of drug use and speculation of fatigue based on his appearance, which prompted his representative to speak up. While the “Love Yourself” singer hasn’t publicly addressed the rumors, a rep told TMZ that the past year has been “very transformative for him as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him” and that “narrative he’s using hard drugs is not true.”
On the contrary, that rep adding that he’s spending a lot of time working on new music and caring for his wife and their son, Jack Blues Bieber, born in 2024.
On March 13, Justin posted another lengthy IG post, discussing how he feels “unequipped and unqualified,” this time set to the instrumental song “Sneaky Sneaky” by Gold-Tiger. “People told me my whole life ‘wow Justin u deserve that.'”
“I personally have always felt unworthy,” he wrote. “Like I was a fraud. Like when people told me I deserve something. It made me feel sneaky like. Damn if they only knew my thoughts. How judgemental I am, how selfish I really am. They wouldn’t be saying this.”
“I say all this to say,” Justin continued, “If you feel sneaky welcome to the club. I definitely feel unequipped and unqualified most days.”
As someone riddled with constant guilt for my wins, big or small, and sometimes feeling “unequipped and unqualified,” especially in this political climate — Justin’s words really hit home.
While Justin’s been faced with constant rumors, the two-time Grammy-winning singer, who’s been in the spotlight since he was fifteen, isn’t letting negativity shape the narrative. Instead, he’s using his social media to address his feelings, whether maturity, imposter syndrome, or love for his family.
Overall, Justin’s been pretty active on social media lately, and I’m hoping we’ll get a taste of this level of introspection in his newest project. It’s been years since we had a new album, and we’re ready.