Justin Bieber continues to spark concern after sporting a slimmer look and a knee brace during a recent outing.
It comes after the “Baby” singer dropped a cryptic rant on Instagram about people passing judgment and declaring what others “deserve.”
Justin Bieber’s marriage to Hailey Bieber has also come under scrutiny due to his recent remarks amid reports of financial struggles linked to his 2022 “Justice” tour.
Article continues below advertisement
Justin Bieber Sparks Concern With Slimmer Appearance And Knee Brace
Justin appeared noticeably slimmer and had on a knee brace on his left leg during a recent outing in Hollywood on Friday, prompting fresh concern among fans.
According to photos obtained by the Daily Mail, the 31-year-old pop star was spotted heading to a local spa, dressed in layered hoodies, green checkered shorts, and blue slide sandals, topped off with a baseball cap. A peek of his neck tattoo was visible beneath the hoodie, as he maintained a subdued demeanor.
This public appearance follows a wave of speculation triggered by a cryptic Instagram rant earlier in the week. In the now-viral post, Justin criticized those who offer unsolicited opinions on what others “deserve.”
Article continues below advertisement
“Telling other humans they deserve something is like raising someone else’s kids,” he wrote. “Who are you to tell someone what someone should or shouldn’t have?”
Justin further noted that only “God decides what we deserve,” calling out the “audacity” of self-appointed moral arbiters.
Article continues below advertisement
Mixed Reactions Pour In As Fans Accuse Justin Bieber Of Hypocrisy Following Controversial Post
Following Justin’s Instagram outburst, fans took to the comments section expressing concern, criticism, and support. Many accused the pop star of “hypocrisy,” urging him to take a break from social media altogether.
The singer’s post appeared to strike a nerve, especially among those who interpreted it as a response to ongoing criticism of his treatment of his wife, Hailey Bieber.
One person wrote, “If you’re mad about people telling Hailey deserves better, YES, she deserves better.”
“Justin, please get a break from social media, go to therapy, and take care of your beautiful family,” another individual pleaded.
Article continues below advertisement
Others brought up past remarks, referencing a moment when Justin allegedly told Hailey she wasn’t worthy of a Vogue cover: “Well, you had the audacity to tell your wife she couldn’t be on Vogue cover for her accomplishment.”
Article continues below advertisement
Justin Bieber Faces Criticism Over Controversial Mother’s Day Post, And Vogue Confession
The controversy first started following two eyebrow-raising moments that some fans feel reflect Justin’s pattern of inconsiderate behavior toward Hailey.
The first wave of backlash came after the “Baby” singer shared a blunt message on social media that read “Mother’s Day sucks a-s,” a post many found insensitive, especially as it marked Hailey’s first Mother’s Day since the birth of their son, Jack Blues Bieber, in August 2024.
Soon after, criticism intensified when the pop star publicly admitted to once telling the Rhode founder she would never appear on the cover of Vogue.
In a now-deleted Instagram caption meant to celebrate her recent achievement of landing the cover, Justin revealed the comment stemmed from a past argument they had.
“Yo, this reminds me when Hailey and I got into a huge fight, I told hails that she would never be on the cover of Vogue, Yikes I know, so mean, For some reason because I felt so disrespected I thought I gotta get even,” he wrote.
Justin went on to reflect on how that mindset had changed: “Think as we mature we realize that we’re not helping anything by getting even, we’re honestly just prolonging what we really want which is intimacy and connection.”
The post ended with a direct apology to Hailey: “So baby u already know but forgive me for saying u wouldn’t get a Vogue cover cuz clearly I was sadly mistaken.”
Article continues below advertisement
Hailey Bieber Shut Down The Divorce Rumors
Despite Justin’s attempt at vulnerability, many fans were unsettled by the public confession, questioning the timing and the decision to bring up such a personal moment during what should have been a celebration of Hailey’s success.
To further complicate it, the couple, who have been married for nearly seven years, has long been the subject of public speculation about an alleged impending divorce.
Hailey addressed these ongoing rumors in a May 20 interview with Vogue, making it clear that much of what people see online is far from reality.
“It’s not real,” she said bluntly. “And that’s the thing: I have a real life. My real life is that I get to wake up to my beautiful family and my son, and my friends, and I have people that know me and love me, and I love them.”
Justin Bieber’s Former Circle Is Worried About Him
Justin’s inner circle has significantly shrunk, as the singer cut ties with his longtime manager, Scooter Braun, and several other associates, including his longtime security chief, Kenny Hamilton.
He also pulled the plug on his working relationship with TriStar after they left him feeling betrayed for allegedly mismanaging his finances for years.
However, Justin’s former friends and associates are questioning his decisions, claiming he is being surrounded by people who are afraid to tell him “no.”
“Whatever he’s going through, I pray for him and hope he’s OK,” Bieber’s former collaborator Poo Bear, who co-wrote some of his biggest hits, including “Despacito,” and “What Do You Mean?” told The Hollywood Reporter.
Article continues below advertisement
“Seeing him disintegrate like this … it’s watching the embodiment of someone not living their purpose,” a former team member said. “He’s lost. There’s no one protecting him because there’s no one there willing to say no to him. You say no, you get blown out.”
