Why Bieber’s Fans Are Talking About Sobriety After His Latest Post

Justin Bieber hasn’t had the most typical ride in the public eye, and his recent Instagram Story isn’t likely to change that. But this time, all he did was repost a video, and the internet had a lot to say. The clip from Sunday night saw the 31-year-old share a video of late rapper DMX, without adding a caption or any further commentary.

In the clip, which originally aired over a decade ago, DMX appears to be in a therapy session of sorts with life coach and TV host Iyanla Vanzant. On an episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life, aired in 2013, Vanzant challenges DMX, “Do you want to live your life as a clean man?” The rapper responds, “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” She later poses to DMX that being sober could make you “a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God,” to which DMX answers, “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”

Bieber shared the clip from the L.A.-based weed dispensary Gassy’s Instagram, as if he were watching the clip on his own. But in the time since Bieber’s post, fans and critics alike have wondered whether there was some hidden message behind the particular video clip that the Biebs chose to share.

The video can be interpreted in many different ways. Some are jumping to conclude that it’s Bieber’s way of standing in solidarity with DMX’s message — that spirituality doesn’t have to mean sobriety. Or is it a carefully veiled nod to his stance on marijuana use? Or something else entirely?

Faith, Fatherhood, Fame, and Bieber’s Quiet Season

The singer has always been a polarizing figure when it comes to sobriety and religion. Bieber has been frank about his “bad” years in the past, in which he was riddled with mental health issues, drug abuse, and career burnout. He’s long been vocal about how his Christian faith turned his life around and regularly posts Bible verses and Christian messages to his 268 million followers.

He’s remained tight with Churchome pastor Judah Smith for years and often appears on the Christian streamer’s socials. The star is also, of course, a father now. The couple welcomed their son Jack Blues Bieber in November of last year. Sources close to the singer have noted that having a baby has changed Bieber in ways we might not expect. He’s been described as calmer, more grounded, and more confident. But his presence on social media has continued to raise questions from fans.

Fans are concerned due to recent posts of the singer holding bongs or surrounded by smoke. In the past, his team has let it be known that such imagery doesn’t necessarily equate to drug use that’s illegal or unsafe. After all, marijuana is a legal substance in California, where Bieber is based.

In February, a representative for the singer told TMZ, “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is not true.” The rep went on to share that Bieber is currently in “one of the best places” of his life, raising his son, and working on music. The spokesperson further noted that the past year was one of change for Bieber, one that was “very transformative,” and added that the star “literally ended some friendships and business relationships that he had for 10-plus years.” The singer described some of the split-ups as “confrontations” and others as “just distance.”

Music, Fatherhood, and a Potential Tour

The DMX video was posted just days after Bieber surprise-released his new album, Swag, on July 11. The seventh studio album for the pop star has been well-received by both fans and critics, and is being seen as a celebration of growth — growth in his career, but also as a person, husband, and now father.

Tracks on the record touch on everything from love for Hailey to the pressures of marriage to the “amazingness” of his new role as a father. The singer also worked with social media comedian Druski, who appears in the album as a therapist that Bieber consults on each track. These “therapy session” skits are what give the album a lighter touch; self-aware and full of comedic jabs, the skits are also deeply vulnerable, as Druski addresses the mental and emotional realities that Bieber is currently experiencing.

Of course, with new music being released, talk of a new tour is inevitable. Could Bieber have one in the works? Rumors of an Australian tour have been swirling, but when asked for comment, Frontier Touring told Rolling Stone that they have “no information” with regards to any such tour. If it were to go ahead, it would be the first tour since his Justice World Tour was cancelled in 2022 due to health issues.

In any case, Bieber has been giving signals that he’s ready for a quieter, more contemplative phase of his life and career. Between fatherhood, faith, and his inauguration as an artist, he seems more concerned with being authentic than being liked.

So, who knows? He might just be willing to post anything and leave fans to come to their conclusions.