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INSIDE STORY: RADAR Goes Inside Justin Bieber's Downward Spiral and Asks Whether Cults, Drugs or Fake Friends Are to Blame

Photo of Justin Bieber
Source: MEGA

Radar explores Justin Bieber's downward spiral and questions cults, drugs or fake friends as causes.

May 9 2025, Published 7:30 a.m. ET

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Justin Bieber really let loose while attending the Coachella music festival in Indio, Calif., in mid-April, RadarOnline.com can reveal.

In one video posted online, the shirtless – and noticeably gaunt – singer looks dazed as he sways to music.

In another, the Canadian star, best known as what appears to be marijuana as his wife of six years, Hailey Bieber, is forced to intervene and usher Justin’s 15-year-old brother, Jaxon Bieber, away from him and his hard-partying friends.

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In the days after, fans expressed renewed alarm over the star’s behavior, commenting that he seems "strung out" and like he's "spinning out of control."

For months, concern has been mounting about whether the 31-year-old – who welcomed his first child, son Jack Blues, with Hailey, 28, last August – is doing OK amid reports of drug use and mental health struggles as well as new questions about his close ties to the L.A.-based spiritual community Churchome.

Now, sources close to Ryan Good, Justin’s former friend and business partner, said he believes the church’s cult-like air is using Justin for his money and star power.

"Justin is clearly struggling, and he needs help," an insider said. "Hailey is trying to be supportive, but she’s worried he’s slipping further over the edge."

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Keeping The Faith

One cause for worry is that the Never Say Never singer has been cutting off old friends and associates. Instead, sources said, in recent years Justin has become more and more attached to Churchome's nondenominational Christian community, regularly attending services on Zoom.

As he’s distanced himself from former friends and team members like Scooter Braun and Ryan (who was best man at Justin’s 2019 wedding), he’s gotten close with Churchome’s pastor – and his spiritual advisor – Judah Smith.

In early April, Justin announced his involvement in his fashion brand, Drew House, which he co-founded with Ryan in 2019, is over, telling fans, "Don’t waste your money on drewhouse."

Days later, he released ads for his new brand, Skylrk, along with a disturbing animated video in which he rides an electric scooter.

Before the split, Justin had brought Judah on as a Drew House board member, despite his lack of business background, which a source says led to tension behind the scenes.

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justin bieber downward spiral cults drugs fake friends blame
Source: MEGA

Judah Smith's growing influence on the star is raising eyebrows in Justin's circle.

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The final straw with Ryan reportedly came when the former road manager quit Churchome. TMZ reported that Ryan felt Judah was "controlling the Peaches" singer.

"Justin is loyal to the church and credits his faith for keeping him sane," said the insider, noting that Justin leaned on his faith when both he and Hailey battled serious health issues in 2022. "Anyone who’s tried to come between Justin and his pastor tends to get erased from Justin’s life."

According to the insider, people around Justin are worried about Judah’s intentions with the new dad.

"Like, maybe it has more to do with his money and fame than saving a soul."

Churchome currently draws roughly 10,000 members a week, including fellow celebs Kourtney Kardashian and Ciara and husband Russell Wilson.

"The fear is Justin’s being taken advantage of and he doesn’t know it."

It’s a familiar scenario for the star, who rocketed to fame after Scooter discovered him on YouTube in 2007.

Indeed, those who remain in Justin’s inner circle claim Ryan and Scooter are simply bitter that they’ve lost access to their moneymaker. The singer has an estimated net worth of $300 million.

"Justin’s a vulnerable guy," said the insider. "People have been taking advantage of him since he was a teenager."

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justin bieber downward spiral cults drugs fake friends blame
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Ryan Good reportedly ended ties after leaving Churchome over control concerns.

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Hailey's Worst Fear

One thing that isn’t in question is Justin’s recreational drug use: He's been openly smoking pot in almost every snapshot and video, and the insider says he’s been turning to marijuana "a lot more lately." He doesn’t even try to hide it.

Hailey's worried about her husband, who has been open about abusing Xanax and suffering from mental health issues in the past.

"She wants him to be a good role model for their son, but he keeps doing all this crazy stuff," said the insider. In recent Instagram posts, he's talked about anger issues and said, “I think I hate myself sometimes."

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justin bieber downward spiral cults drugs fake friends blame
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Kourtney Kardashian is among the celebrities linked to the celebrity-heavy Churchome crowd.

It's a delicate situation. The singer has been Hailey’s dream guy since she was 12, when they met backstage at Today.

They were first romantically linked in 2014. "Hailey has loved Justin for so long, and now it seems her dream is fading," said the insider.

Now she fears pushing him past his limit.

"She'd like to see him deal with his mental issues, but she doesn't want to lose him," said the insider. "She’s afraid he’s going to go off the deep end."

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