TMZ has released a gripping new documentary titled “TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber,” offering an unfiltered look into the pop superstar’s recent life choices and raising serious questions about his financial stability behind the scenes.
The special delves into Bieber’s headline-making decision to sell the rights to his music catalog for a staggering $200 million in December 2022. While the figure may sound like a windfall, the documentary suggests there may have been more urgency—and desperation—behind the move than fans initially realized. TMZ founder Harvey Levin revealed during the documentary that he was on a call with an insider who alleged that Bieber was teetering on the edge of financial ruin prior to the catalog sale. “I was told that if he didn’t make this deal, he could have faced financial collapse,” Levin said, adding a shocking layer to the singer’s polished public persona.
Adding to the speculation, another TMZ staffer claimed a source told them that Bieber was once unable to pay for a round of golf and had to borrow a friend’s credit card to cover the cost. While the claim hasn’t been publicly confirmed, it paints a picture of a global pop icon potentially grappling with serious money troubles. The documentary also touches on the apparent tension surrounding the deal. Justin’s longtime manager, Scooter Braun, reportedly advised him against selling the catalog, believing the $200 million price tag significantly undervalued his body of work. Despite Braun’s warnings—and speculation that the deal was well below market expectations—Bieber ultimately went through with the sale.