Justin Bieber Says 'Hate' Made Him Feel Like He Was 'Drowning'

Justin Bieber, who’s widely speculated among fans to be on the precipice of releasing new music, has returned to the well of vulnerability for his latest headlined Instagram Stories update.

Sunday, Bieber reflected on being told “not to hate” as a child. This messaging, he told fans on IG, made him feel “like I wasn’t allowed to have it and so I didn’t tell anyone I’ve had it.” Moreover, Bieber said not acknowledging these uncomfortable feelings left him in a state of “drowning,” an admission he followed up with a suggestion.

“I think we can only let hate go by first acknowledging it’s there,” he said, as seen below. “How couldn’t we feel hate from all of the hurt we have experienced?”

The Stories update was soundtracked by SZA's SOS single “I Hate U.”

Later, Bieber, this time using Chris Brown and Young Thug’s Slime & B track “Go Crazy,” arguably addressed the chatter that’s been surrounding his recent social media activity, like so: “If they aren’t talking shit, u must not be goin brazy enough.”

Also this weekend, JB embarked on an enviably well-timed Disneyland excursion with Hailey Bieber, with whom he welcomed a child last August, and recent Y2K-featured Bieber collaborator, The Kid LAROI. The trip was preceded by another openhearted IG note, with Bieber telling fans he often struggles with feeling “unworthy” and “unqualified” despite his indisputable success.

If Bieber does end up sharing a new album in 2025, it’ll mark his first since 2021’s Billboard 200-topping Justice. While no official announcement has been made, all signs suggest that something new is indeed afoot in the Bieber camp.