Singer Justin Bieber sold music catalog for $200 million because he was broke

Justin Bieber, once one of the highest-earning pop stars in the world, reportedly found himself in such severe financial trouble by 2022 that he was forced to sell his music catalog for $200 million, a move that shocked many in the industry due to his young age and continued relevance in music.

According to a new documentary, TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber, now streaming on Hulu, Bieber made between $500 million and $1 billion over the course of his career. Despite that staggering income, sources close to the star say he was on the brink of “financial collapse” just two years ago.

The documentary reveals that Bieber’s longtime manager Scooter Braun advised him against selling his catalog so early in his career, suggesting he at least wait until January 2023 to benefit from a potential tax break. However, Bieber insisted on closing the deal in December 2022, citing an urgent need for liquidity.

While it has become increasingly common for artists to sell their catalogs for large payouts, Bieber’s case stands out — not only because of his age but also due to the financial pressures that appeared to drive the decision.

The Hulu special delves deeper into Bieber’s personal and professional struggles, including his mental health, marriage to Hailey Bieber, association with a controversial church, and an evolving music career that has seen moments of both triumph and turbulence.