Justin Bieber’s Rep Shuts Down Drug Rumors Amid DMX Post

It’s a simple story and one that singer Justin Bieber has likely seen play out on Instagram hundreds of times. But this time, the repost had fans wondering where Bieber stands on sobriety and spirituality, two hot-button topics that were unpacked by a beloved rapper over a decade ago.

Bieber reposted the clip on Sunday without context. He has yet to share a public reaction or explanation for posting the clip, which originally aired on TV in 2013 and more recently, on the account of Los Angeles cannabis dispensary Gassy. So, fans on the internet filled the void, embarking on perhaps the most human of endeavors: digital sleuthing.

The repost is nothing more than an Instagram Story screenshot, captured by Gassy. In it, the late rapper DMX is seen sitting in an armchair, speaking candidly with Iyanla Vanzant, a life coach and former TV host, during a 2013 episode of her show, Iyanla: Fix My Life.

On the show, Vanzant challenges DMX on the idea of sobriety, saying that someone who doesn’t use substances could be “a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God.” “Do you want to live your life as a clean man?” Vanzant asks.

DMX quickly retorts: “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” Vanzant then poses that the voice of God is “one of the greatest gifts” that a person can experience in life. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God,” DMX replies coolly. The full video clip lasts about two minutes.

Instagram Comments Weigh In on Bieber, DMX, and Sobriety

Fans and social media users weighed in on the post, most assuming Bieber was sending support to DMX. “Bieber is here for his people. Who do we stan?” wrote one Twitter user. Many were surprised the singer chose to share the clip, given his well-documented relationship with Christianity and the transformation he credits to his faith.

But that has been Bieber’s vibe for most of the past year. Since welcoming their son Jack Blues Bieber, Bieber and his wife Hailey Bieber have changed the dynamic of their public relationship, opting to focus more on fatherhood and family.

The child, now a year old, has calmed Bieber’s public antics, according to those close to him, at least somewhat. Sources close to the singer have said his life as a new dad has brought about a calmer, more grounded version of Bieber. While he posted a photo celebrating Jack’s birthday with a gushy caption (“To have u in my life is the most amazing gift and to hold u in my arms was the icing on the cake #happybirthdaymyson”), there’s also a lack of “crazy” photos of the Biebers traveling together or attending events, which was a common theme of the couple’s relationship in years past.

Justin Bieber Shares That Marriage to Hailey Has Made Him a Better Man: See PDA Photos

In 2022, the singer received backlash after posting photos that showed him with a bong in one hand, seemingly surrounded by smoke. The optics of the photos prompted fans to question whether he was using marijuana, but representatives for Bieber have said the photos don’t represent anything illegal or dangerous.

In February, the singer’s rep told TMZ that “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is not true.” The rep went on to say that he is “in one of the best places in his life” and that Bieber is “focused on being the best dad and provider for his family and finishing a new album.”

His album, Swag, was released on July 11 to critical acclaim. Music is always a throughline for Bieber. While his personal life might have a new focus on his family, his music has reflected those personal changes in recent years.

On Swag, Bieber dives into love for Hailey, parenthood, as well as life as a now-grown man who is famous, married, and now a dad. The album has several therapy skits with social media personality Druski, who acts as Bieber’s therapist.

The tracks offer an introspective and self-aware look at what is likely a vulnerable place in Bieber’s headspace right now. Bieber has also not ruled out touring down the line. There is no word yet on when, or if, a new tour could be announced, but one is likely in the works. The Biebers are in Australia now, where Hailey Bieber is filming her new project with interior design company Michael’s.