Justin Bieber clashed with paparazzi in Palm Springs, California, on April 9, 2025, during a coffee run with friends ahead of the Coachella festival. The singer, visibly frustrated, accused photographers of prioritizing money over basic human decency in a viral video captured by TMZ. The incident has reignited discussions about celebrity privacy and Bieber’s ongoing struggles with fame and mental health.
Tense Exchange With Photographers
The confrontation began when a paparazzo greeted Bieber with a “Good morning.” The singer responded sharply, “No! Not good morning! You already know. Why are you here?” He then mimicked a cash gesture, repeating, “Money, money, money, money, money,” and added, “Get outta here, bro. Money, that’s all you want. You don’t care about human beings” .
Bieber further criticized the group, saying, “That’s all you care about, guys. Is money. You don’t care about people. Only money… You don’t care about human beings” . The 31-year-old attempted to block a photographer’s camera before walking away. The interaction lasted about 30 seconds, with paparazzi continuing to film despite his protests .
Fan Reactions and Support
Many fans defended Bieber online, noting his lifelong exposure to invasive media attention. One supporter wrote on X, “His crash out is valid. These people have been following him since his teenage years and will probably follow him til he gets old” . Others echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the toll of constant surveillance on the star’s mental well-being.
This isn’t the first time Bieber has spoken out against paparazzi. In February, he criticized a photographer for thanking him during an unwelcome encounter, saying, “I don’t want you to be here, so when you thank me, it’s disrespectful” .
Broader Concerns About Bieber’s Well-Being
The incident follows months of erratic behavior and cryptic social media posts that have worried fans. In January, Bieber claimed someone “unfollowed [his] wife” Hailey on his Instagram account without his knowledge, calling the situation “suss” . He has also openly discussed struggles with anger, imposter syndrome, and self-worth, posting in March, “I think I hate myself sometimes when I feel myself start to become inauthentic” .
Body language expert Traci Brown analyzed a recent Instagram Live video, noting Bieber’s “glassy” eyes and stressed demeanor, adding to speculation about his state of mind . Rumors about marital tensions with Hailey have also circulated, though representatives dismissed them as “fabricated” .
Paparazzi and Celebrity Privacy Debate
Bieber’s outburst highlights the fraught relationship between celebrities and paparazzi. Unlike staged red-carpet events, unsolicited paparazzi encounters often feel intrusive, a point Bieber emphasized by accusing photographers of exploiting him for profit . His rep later condemned the media’s “exhausting and pitiful” focus on negative narratives .
Coachella Plans and Moving Forward
Bieber and Hailey were later spotted arriving at Coachella, where he is not scheduled to perform this year. Fans hope the festival offers him a respite from scrutiny . Meanwhile, Bieber’s team continues to deny rumors about substance use or marital issues, calling them “harmful” and baseless .
Justin Bieber’s upcoming album, Freedom, is set to release later this year, though no official date has been announced.
