In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the entertainment world, Elon Musk, the billionaire visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, has shared a jaw-dropping anecdote about pop sensation Justin Bieber’s reckless spending habits. According to Musk, Bieber’s lavish lifestyle, particularly his habit of bankrolling an entourage of freeloaders, led to his financial ruin. The story, as recounted by Musk, paints a vivid picture of a young star caught in a whirlwind of excess, surrounded by so-called friends who vanished when the money dried up.
The saga unfolded in 2013, when Musk found himself sharing a private jet with Bieber and his sprawling posse. “I once flew in a private jet with Justin Bieber,” Musk recalled, “and understood why he always goes bankrupt.” What he witnessed was nothing short of staggering. Bieber boarded the plane with an entourage of ten friends—none of whom were part of his professional team. These were not managers, stylists, or security personnel; they were simply hangers-on, basking in the glow of Bieber’s fame and fortune. And Bieber? He was footing the bill for every single one of them.
Musk described the scene as chaotic. The private jet, meant to offer luxury and exclusivity, was so overcrowded with Bieber’s entourage that it felt more like a packed commercial flight. “The private jet was so congested that I had to take another plane and let Bieber and his friends have the other jet,” Musk revealed. What struck him most was Bieber’s willingness to cover every expense—flights, accommodations, and more—for a group that contributed little beyond companionship. “He footed all their bills,” Musk said, shaking his head. “That’s exactly how he went broke.”
The numbers are staggering. Sources close to the situation claim Bieber was burning through as much as $5 million a day during the height of his spending sprees. From private jets to extravagant parties, luxury gifts, and endless perks for his entourage, the pop star’s generosity knew no bounds. But this unchecked extravagance came at a devastating cost. By 2023, reports surfaced that Bieber had been forced to sell his entire music catalog—a move that stunned the industry and sparked whispers of financial desperation. Once a global icon with a net worth in the hundreds of millions, Bieber was now being labeled as “crazy” and “washed up” by critics and former allies alike.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of this tale is the betrayal that followed. Musk’s account hints at a sobering truth: none of the friends Bieber so generously supported stayed by his side when his fortunes crumbled. “Carrying over ten friends around and paying all their bills isn’t easy,” Musk noted, adding a pointed warning: “Beware of those you call your friends. Some are just with you for what you have.” The absence of these so-called friends in Bieber’s darkest hour speaks volumes about the fleeting nature of loyalty in the world of fame.
This isn’t the first time Bieber’s financial troubles have made headlines. Over the years, stories of his lavish spending have surfaced repeatedly. From renting entire islands for vacations to purchasing multimillion-dollar homes, Bieber’s lifestyle was the epitome of excess. But it was his loyalty to his inner circle that may have been his undoing. Insiders suggest that Bieber’s need for validation and companionship drove him to surround himself with people who were more than happy to live off his wealth. “He wanted to be the guy who took care of everyone,” a source close to the singer said. “But he didn’t realize how many were just using him.”
Musk’s anecdote serves as a cautionary tale for young stars navigating the treacherous waters of fame. His advice, though delivered with a touch of bluntness, carries weight: “I’m not saying this for bad reasons, but it’s just something I noticed. It’s advice.” The tech mogul’s perspective underscores a universal truth—wealth, when mismanaged, can vanish as quickly as it comes. For Bieber, the lesson came at a steep price.
The fallout from Bieber’s financial collapse has left fans and industry insiders reeling. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, ranging from sympathy for the star to criticism of his naivety. “It’s sad to see someone so talented lose everything because of bad company,” one user posted. Another quipped, “Lesson learned: don’t let your friends treat you like an ATM.” The sentiment echoes Musk’s warning, highlighting the dangers of surrounding oneself with opportunists.
As Bieber works to rebuild his career and financial stability, his story serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls of fame. The pop star’s journey from teenage heartthrob to cautionary tale is a sobering one, but it’s not without hope. With his talent and resilience, Bieber has the potential to rise again—provided he learns to choose his friends wisely.
In the end, Musk’s candid account of that overcrowded private jet offers more than just gossip; it’s a window into the high-stakes world of celebrity, where loyalty is rare, and the cost of generosity can be catastrophic. For Justin Bieber, the price of carrying his friends was his fortune—and perhaps his peace of mind.
