Justin Bieber

As Bieber resides in the United States, he is reported to possess an O-1 visa for temporary resident status, based on “extraordinary ability or achievement” in a field. Bieber has said he is not interested in obtaining US citizenship, and has praised Canada as being “the best country in the world”, citing its mostly government-funded health care system as a model example. However, in September 2018, TMZ reported that Bieber had begun the process of becoming an American citizen, following his marriage to Hailey Baldwin.

Relationships

Bieber’s father, Jeremy Bieber, is a former carpenter and pro-am mixed martial artist. In March 2014, Rolling Stone characterized Jeremy as having “split with Justin’s mom when Justin was a toddler, and wasn’t always around afterward. But he has, as of late, accepted a place of honor in his superstar son’s entourage”.

In December 2010, Bieber began dating Selena Gomez. After initially splitting in November 2012, they had an on-again, off-again relationship until March 2018. On an interview during The Ellen Show, Bieber stated that hit songs including “Sorry”, “Mark My Words”, and “What Do You Mean?” are about his relationship with Gomez.

Bieber became engaged to Hailey Baldwin on July 7, 2018. They had briefly dated from December 2015 to January 2016 before splitting, then reconciled in May 2018. Bieber and Baldwin reportedly obtained a marriage license in September 2018, leading to reports that they had a civil marriage. On September 14, 2018, Baldwin stated on Twitter that she and Bieber had not yet married, but deleted the tweet afterward. On November 23, 2018, Bieber stated he was married to Baldwin. Bieber and Baldwin had an official ceremony in Bluffton, South Carolina on September 30, 2019.

Beliefs

Bieber has described himself as a faithful adherent of Christianity, said he communicates with God via prayer, and that “He’s the reason I’m here”. He reflected his faith in a music video with Brandon Burke, titled “#iPledge”, in which he talks about God’s forgiveness. Bieber was baptized on January 9, 2014 by Pentecostal pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong Church, New York, after a born again experience. He has described Lentz as a good friend. When asked how he wants to raise his children, Bieber said, “I’m a Jesus follower. When you accept Jesus, you walk with the holy spirit. I just want to be led by the holy spirit.” Many of Bieber’s tattoos have religious significance including the medium-sized cross on his chest and a tiny cross under his eye. Bieber also covered up the “Son of God” text tattooed on his abdomen with a large design that features two angels, gothic arches, a skeleton and a serpent.

Regarding sexual abstinence, Bieber told music magazine Rolling Stone in 2011, “I don’t think you should have sex with anyone unless you love them.” He added that he does not “believe in abortion”, and that it is “like killing a baby”. When asked about the case of abortion with regard to rape, however, he said, “I guess I haven’t been in that position, so I wouldn’t be able to judge that.” His view on sexual orientation is quoted as “everyone’s own decision”, and he has contributed to the It Gets Better Project, a non-profit group aiming to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.

Philanthropy

Bieber supports Pencils of Promise, a charity founded by Adam Braun, the younger brother of Bieber’s manager. The organization builds schools in developing countries, and Bieber became manager for the organization’s campaign in Guatemala. He serves as a celebrity spokesman for the organization by running ads for the charity and its campaign “Schools4All”. He promises to visit schools that donate the most funds to the organization. He takes part in the charity’s fund-raising galas and donates parts of the proceeds from his concerts and Someday line of fragrances, and various merchandising to the charity. He also appears in an animal welfare PSA for PETA encouraging people to volunteer at and adopt from animal shelters instead of buying pets from breeders or pet stores. In 2013, Bieber launched his online #GiveBackPhilippines campaign for helping the victims of Typhoon Haiyan and travelled to the Philippines after raising $3 million. His work in the country earned him a star on the Philippine Walk of Fame. He also supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Alzheimer’s Association.

Bieber and Ariana Grande collaborated on the single “Stuck With U”, released in May 2020 as the first of series of singles coordinated by entertainment executive Scooter Braun, who is also Bieber’s manager, to support the COVID-19 pandemic. All net proceeds from the song went to the First Responders Children’s Foundation to fund grants and scholarships for children of first responders and health care workers who worked on the front lines during the pandemic.

Health

Bieber has struggled with mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, at various points during his career. He has generally been open about these issues.

On January 8, 2020, on his Instagram, Bieber announced that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease, saying that speculation by other people that he looked like he was on drugs was false. He also revealed that he has infectious mononucleosis, which affected his neurological and overall health.