A shocking new TMZ documentary titled “TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?” explores pop icon Justin Bieber’s financial downfall, mental health struggles, and strained marriage to Hailey Bieber. According to the exposé, Bieber, who reportedly earned close to $1 billion throughout his career, faced serious financial troubles in 2022, even borrowing a friend’s credit card to play golf.
💰 Justin Bieber’s Financial Troubles and Why He Sold His Music Catalog
TMZ Executive Producer Harvey Levin claims that by 2022, Justin Bieber was broke. Despite selling his music catalog for $200 million in December of that year, sources allege that the pop star was already facing mounting debt, reportedly owing $24 million to tour promoter AEG after canceling his “Justice World Tour.”
“If Bieber had completed the tour, he could have made $90 million,” said TMZ’s Don Nash. But instead, Bieber’s tour cancellation triggered a series of financial setbacks, prompting him to sell his music rights earlier than advised — a decision that may have cost him a sizable tax break.
💔 Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber’s Marriage Faced Real Problems
Justin Bieber’s financial issues were reportedly compounded by ongoing struggles in his personal life. The TMZ documentary also dives into Bieber’s relationship with his wife, Hailey Bieber, revealing that the couple has endured “real issues” in recent years.
“There was a point where Hailey allegedly told her mom, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’” Levin revealed during a NewsNation interview.
Despite this, sources say the couple is now in a “much better place,” with Hailey supporting Justin through his recovery from both financial strain and a diagnosis of Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
🤝 Justin Bieber and Scooter Braun: From Mentorship to Meltdown
Another key theme in the documentary is the fractured relationship between Justin Bieber and his longtime manager Scooter Braun. After helping launch Bieber’s career in the early 2000s, Braun’s company HYBE reportedly stepped in to assume Bieber’s $24 million tour debt. However, Levin states that Bieber only made one payment before telling Braun’s team he no longer had the funds.
Tensions rose further when Bieber’s business manager accused Braun of taking nearly $26 million in commissions that were never earned. A separate audit allegedly revealed Bieber owed Braun $8 million — a claim Bieber reportedly disputed and began investigating himself.
📉 What Went Wrong? Fame, Burnout, and Mental Health
The TMZ documentary suggests that Bieber’s early fame played a major role in his later struggles. “He was part of the adult world at 13,” Levin said. “He never got a chance to grow up like a normal kid.”
Adding to the pressure was Bieber’s constant battle with the paparazzi, which reportedly contributed to his decision to step away from the spotlight.
“He’s sick of being chased by cameras on the freeway,” Levin added.
📺 Where to Watch the Justin Bieber Documentary
“TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?” is now streaming on Hulu. The documentary sheds light on the singer’s hidden battle with financial distress, marriage issues, mental health concerns, and the ultimate reason why Justin Bieber sold his music catalog.
📝 Final Thoughts
While representatives for Bieber have dismissed claims of financial ruin as “clickbait,” the TMZ documentary paints a sobering picture of the pop star’s behind-the-scenes struggles. From financial missteps to relationship strains and professional conflicts, Justin Bieber’s journey in 2025 serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden cost of fame.
