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mental health

Justin Bieber speaks out amid fan concern: 'I feel like a fraud'

Bieber took to Instagram to lay it all out


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
MARCH 13, 2025 3:48 PM EDT

Justin Bieber is keeping it real. And by real, we mean heartbreakingly honest. The "Baby" singer, now 31, has finally addressed growing concerns over his well-being with a raw, emotional post that has left fans both worried and supportive. In the candid message, he admitted to struggling with feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and not always feeling worthy of the success he's achieved.

Bieber took to Instagram on Thursday to lay it all out, revealing that despite the world telling him he "deserves" his fame and fortune, he's never really felt that way.

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 05:  Justin Bieber is seen on February 05, 2025 in New York City.  (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)© GC Images
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 05: Justin Bieber is seen on February 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

"People told me my whole life 'Wow Justin you deserve that,'" he wrote. "And I personally have always felt unworthy, like I was a fraud."

He continued: "It made me feel sneaky like, damn if they only knew my thoughts. How judgmental I am, how selfish I really am... They wouldn't be saying this."

Then, in a moment of brutal honesty, he told fans: "I say all this to say, if you feel sneaky, welcome to the club. I definitely feel unequipped and unqualified most days."

A Lifetime in the Spotlight

Bieber's rise to fame was a whirlwind. Discovered on YouTube at just 15, he was signed by Usher, and within a year, he became a global phenomenon. His debut single, "Baby," dominated the charts in 2010, and from that moment, Bieber was cemented as one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With an estimated 150 million records sold worldwide, he's undeniably one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23:  Justin Bieber and  and Busta Rhymes pre-tape their performance for NBC's Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center November 23, 2011 in New York City.  (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage) © Getty
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 23: Justin Bieber and and Busta Rhymes pre-tape their performance for NBC's Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center November 23, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)

But with that level of fame comes pressure—something Bieber has openly struggled with throughout his career.

What's Going on With Bieber Lately?

In recent months, speculation over Bieber's health has reached an all-time high. Fans have expressed concern after seeing the singer looking disheveled in public, often appearing tired and dressed in eccentric outfits. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 06:  Justin Bieber is seen leaving Lucali Pizza in Brooklyn on February 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)© GC Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 06: Justin Bieber is seen leaving Lucali Pizza in Brooklyn on February 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Things escalated further when he was seen smoking from what appeared to be a bong in a series of Instagram photos, leading his representatives to shut down rumors of hard drug use.

Despite the noise, Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, 28, have continued to show a united front. The couple, who share a seven-month-old baby boy, Jack Blues, have been spotted out together on multiple occasions, making it clear that their relationship is as solid as ever.

ustin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are seen in LA© BKNY/Bauer-Griffin
ustin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are seen in LA

Earlier this month, on March 1, Bieber celebrated his 31st birthday, sharing sweet family moments with Hailey and Jack. One photo showed the proud parents holding their son, while another featured Hailey wrapping her arms around Justin as they sang karaoke together.

Fans React to Bieber's Emotional Confession

Bieber's deeply personal post has sparked an outpouring of love and support from fans, many of whom have praised his honesty about mental health.

While some are still worried about his well-being, others appreciate his willingness to be vulnerable. "Justin, you're not alone," one fan wrote. "We all struggle with self-doubt, but you've accomplished so much. We love you."

As for what's next? Only time will tell. 

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