Justin Bieber may be enjoying a professional comeback and renewed closeness with wife Hailey Bieber, but insiders say the singer is still battling emotional “underlying issues” that have long plagued his life in the spotlight.
According to a report by Page Six, sources say that despite the success of his new album, Swag and a seemingly stronger bond with Hailey, there are ongoing concerns about his mental and emotional well-being.
“Justin doesn’t particularly handle fame well,” a source shared, adding that the pressure of public life, which began for him as a teenager, continues to take a toll. “Imagine being 14 and famous people either love you or hate you for no reason. That breaks a lot of people.”
The 31-year-old Peaches hitmaker’s comeback has included major buzz around his July 11 album Swag, which features comedy skits and introspective commentary on the struggles of growing up under constant media scrutiny. In one track, Bieber opens up about feeling like he’s constantly being asked, “Are you okay?” and confesses that the attention makes him feel like “the one with the issues and everyone else is perfect.”
While Hailey, 28, had sparked rumours of trouble last month after being seen without her wedding ring, the couple appeared back on track during a recent affectionate outing in Switzerland. Hailey has since been seen wearing her ring again and even posted a playful Instagram story where she balanced a lemon martini on her head.
Despite these signs of stability, a second source noted recent erratic behaviour from Bieber, including clashing with paparazzi and arguing online, that continues to worry close friends. “He still has work to do,” the insider emphasised.
This comes amid a rocky few years for the star, who was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2022, forcing him to cancel the remainder of his Justice World Tour in early 2023. He later sold his music catalogue for $200 million, marking a major career shift.
The singer and his reps also recently issued a public denial that he was among the victims of Sean “Diddy” Combs, amid the music mogul’s criminal investigations, emphasising the importance of keeping focus on those truly affected.
Despite challenges, fans continue to root for Bieber, with many praising his openness about mental health and his efforts to move forward. As one source put it: “He’s doing better but healing is a journey, and he’s still on it.”