A new documentary reveals that Bieber was allegedly over $20M in debt after canceling his 2022 Justice Tour—prompting the emergency sale of his music rights to stay afloat.
Los Angeles | May 17, 2025 — Pop sensation Justin Bieber sold the rights to his music catalog for a staggering $200 million in 2022—not as a savvy business move, but as a last-ditch effort to avoid financial collapse, according to TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?, now streaming on Hulu.
“I was on a call with multiple people — Justin’s side acknowledges that in 2022, he was on the verge of… the words were ‘financial collapse,’” TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin says in the doc. “And that’s why he had to sell his catalog.”
Debts, Tour Losses, and Lavish Spending
The report alleges Bieber’s canceled Justice World Tour in 2022 left him over $20 million in debt. Despite the tour having the potential to earn him around $90 million, he reportedly incurred massive expenses—including $2 million spent renovating tour buses—without seeing returns.
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Bieber’s lifestyle also came under scrutiny. According to TMZ staffers, the 31-year-old singer was frequently flying private, buying multiple luxury properties, and hosting extravagant parties.
“He’ll spend $300,000 at the Nobu at Coachella,” a source told Page Six. “He hasn’t worked in a really long time.”
$8.8 Million Owed to Scooter Braun
Adding to the financial spiral, a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) audit found that Bieber still owes $8.8 million to former manager Scooter Braun, despite ending their professional relationship nearly two years ago.
“It was a loan Braun gave him to help cover losses after the canceled tour,” a source said.
Alarming Signs: Mental Health and Management Concerns
The documentary and reports also raise concern about Bieber’s mental well-being and inner circle. Friends and former colleagues suggest that no one around him is able to say “no,” describing a toxic environment that’s contributing to his decline.
“He’s lost,” said a former associate in The Hollywood Reporter. “There’s no one protecting him.”
Observers have also noted erratic behavior and alleged drug use, which has further worried fans and industry insiders alike.
Looking Ahead
Despite these revelations, Bieber has made no public statements addressing the documentary’s claims. Meanwhile, wife Hailey Bieber has maintained a low profile, recently posting cryptic messages amid speculation about their personal and financial situation.
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Justin Bieber, Justin Bieber Debt, Scooter Braun, Music Catalog Sale, Justice Tour Cancellation, Celebrity Finances, TMZ Documentary, Hailey Bieber, Hipgnosis Capital, Pop Music News