What’s Really Going On With Justin Bieber? Friends, Faith & Fallout
Something’s off in Bieber-world — and even some of his oldest friends are starting to say it out loud.
While fans continue to stream his music and share clips from his 2021 tour, those who once stood closest to Justin Bieber are quietly fading from view. And according to several former insiders, it’s not because he’s taking a social media break. It’s because of Churchome, the trendy Beverly Hills church that’s become a powerful fixture in his personal life — and, they say, a source of growing concern.
Shrinking Circle, Growing Influence
Once surrounded by creative collaborators and lifelong friends, Bieber has been keeping his world tighter than ever. One major shift? The sudden fallout with Ryan Good — a longtime friend, Drew House creative director, and even the best man at Bieber’s wedding.
Sources close to both men say Ryan’s exit from Churchome triggered the rift. He reportedly called the church a “cult” before walking away. Pastor Judah Smith, who leads the church and is often seen hugging Justin in Instagram posts, has laughed off the criticism.
“If we’re a cult, we’re doing a terrible job,” Smith joked. “We only meet once a month.”
Jesus, Judgement & a Private Confrontation
But behind the scenes, things haven’t been so light. TMZ reports that Bieber and Judah allegedly confronted both Scooter Braun and Ryan Good over their lack of belief in Jesus, and in Ryan’s case, his sex life. The exchange reportedly left Braun — who is Jewish — stunned, and further drove a wedge between Justin and his former creative team.
“People have left not just the church,” one insider told us, “they’ve left Justin.”
Weird Posts, Weed, and Worry
In the past month alone, Bieber has been in the spotlight — just not for the reasons fans were hoping.
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He posted a strange, rambling rant about God, Alaska, and rats — then deleted it.
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Days later, he shared a photo holding a blunt and a bong, both of which appeared to be stashed in a container from his wife Hailey’s Rhode Beauty line.
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Meanwhile, Hailey posted a cryptic message on Instagram:
“Cry me a river. Build a bridge. Get over it.”
None of this has been explained publicly. But many fans believe the message was aimed at Justin.
Mental Health and the Church
Bieber has been honest in the past about his struggles with mental health, and it’s clear that Churchome plays a role in his search for stability. He recently posted that he’s been “selfish” and is afraid of “being exposed for who I really am.”
That sort of confession strikes some as growth. Others see it as a red flag—especially given the power structure around him.
“It’s not just a church,” said one former friend. “It’s become the filter through which everything gets decided — friends, career, relationships, all of it.”
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Where's the Music?
Though still technically active as an artist, Bieber hasn’t released a major studio album in years. Rumors say he’s been recording in Iceland, working on more spiritual material and considering a more low-key comeback.
He’s also disavowed Drew House, the brand he once called his “creative home.” The departure came shortly after Ryan Good left Churchome. Make of that what you will.
@justinbieber Baby 360 🇧🇷
Bieber’s Future: Renewal or Retreat?
Some say Justin is finally finding his peace — detoxing from the pressure of superstardom and focusing on faith. Others aren’t so sure.
“He used to be everywhere,” one fan commented on TikTok. “Now he’s nowhere, and when we do see him... it’s just weird vibes.”
Whether Justin is being protected, manipulated, or quietly reinventing himself — it’s clear that something has shifted. And this time, it might not be temporary.
