Justin Bieber Sparks Debate After Sharing Photo Smoking Out of Bong: 'Set a Better Example for Your Son'

Mar. 15, 2025

Justin Bieber in New York City in September 2021.Photo:Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Justin Bieberposted a series of photos that are sparking backlash.

On Monday, March 3, the pop starshared an Instagram post, which featured snaps where he appeared to be smoking out of a bong.

Justin Bieber in New York City in January 2025.TheStewartofNY/GC Images

TheStewartofNY/GC Images

“@justinbieberyou’re a new father, something you’ve wanted. Set a better example for your son💙"one commenter wrote, referring to his 6-month-old sonJack Blues, whom he shares with wifeHailey Baldwin Bieber.

Another one added: “I hope Jack doesn’t have to be around all this smoke. A kid doesn’t deserve it.”

Other users came to Justin’s defense.

“why does is surprise yall to see a celebrity smoke like 75% of the world does, there’s literally so many people that smoke and he’s obviously not doing it in front of his son. my parents smoked through my childhood and i never knew until i was older and they raised me just fine, yall are sensitive,“one commenter wrote.

“i love when you’re just being you,“a fan wrote.

A rep for Justin declined to comment to PEOPLE.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Justinshared an Instagram videoof himself rapping some lyrics, including the words “fly high,” two days after his representativedenied that he was using drugsin response to concerns about his behavior.

They further added that the past year has been “very transformative” for Justin “as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.”

Instead, the rep said that Justin is supporting Hailey, 28, and their son, and is focusing on his health and art.

They slammed rumors about his drug use as “exhausting and pitiful,” adding that “despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.”

At the time, a rep for Justin declined to provide further comment to PEOPLE.

After he received criticism for looking tired last month with dark circles around his eyes,TMZ reportedthat Justin had pulled an all-nighter for a recording session and was caring for his son, who was struggling to sleep.

Over the years, Justin has been candid about his past drug use.

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Justin and Hailey Bieber; Justin Bieber and son Jack Blues.Justin Bieber/Instagram

Justin Bieber/Instagram

In May 2021, he spoke toGQabout reaching a low point where security guards would sneak into his bedroom in the middle of the night and check his pulse to make sure he was still alive.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com