Justin Bieber is back in the headlines — and this time it’s a cheeky kiss that’s got his fans talking.
The 31-year-old pop icon caused a stir online after sharing a short video of himself getting cozy with rapper Sexxy Red during a VIP hangout.
In the clip, Bieber is seen bobbing his head to the beat of her latest single, 'Hoochie Coochie', before greeting her with a big hug and planting a kiss on her cheek.
Sexxy Red, 27 — real name Janae Nierah Wherry — flashed a huge smile after the kiss, and Bieber didn’t hold back either. He beamed from ear to ear, looking directly into her eyes with a grin.
Naturally, the video exploded on social media, and many fans were commenting about how they haven't seen Bieber looking so happy in a long time.
“Why does he look happier with her than with Hailey,” one commenter wrote, referencing Bieber’s wife, Hailey Bieber. Another added: “Never seen this man smile so hard everrrr.”
One fan commented: "smiling from ear to ear like it’s christmas".
"He definitely don’t smile this hard at his wife," another boldly wrote, with one person adding: "He has so much fun when his wife isn’t around."
While some fans were quick to criticize the gesture. “Respect your wife Man!!!!!” one person wrote, with another adding: "Don’t embarrass your wife like that."
Others jumped to Bieber’s defense, insisting it was all innocent. “The kiss and side hug was definitely a friendly one … y’all are reaching with the ‘have some respect’ comments,” one fan posted, complete with rolling-laughing and eye-roll emojis.
Sexxy’s look was just as bold as the buzz. She wore a white bralette and cheeky shorts under a red glitter leopard robe with “BO$$ES” stitched across the back. Her outfit was cinched with a massive red belt and dollar-sign buckle, topped off with white fishnets, oversized designer sunglasses, and a fluffy red-and-white hat.
Bieber kept it casual in a beige fur coat, Knicks tee, and neon yellow beanie.
The PDA clip came just hours after Bieber’s team clapped back hard at rumors he’s millions in debt.
A report from The Hollywood Reporter claimed the pop star owed around $20 million to tour promoter AEG following the cancellation of his Justice World Tour, which was scrapped after multiple delays linked to health issues, including Bieber’s battle with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.
The tour, originally set to kick off in 2020, was pushed due to the pandemic and then delayed again in 2022 before being cancelled in March 2023. According to THR, Bieber had already received a $40 million advance, triggering “financial consequences” when he backed out.
Bieber’s team called the claims “clickbait stupidity” and blasted the unnamed sources. “This is just clickbait stupidity based on unnamed — and clearly ill-informed — ‘sources,’ disappointed that they no longer work with Justin,” the team told Us Weekly.
They also made it clear that the artist is still very much in control: “Any source that is trying to sell you a story about alleged financial distress … either doesn't understand the entertainment industry or, more likely, is trying to paint an unflattering portrait of Justin, which bears no resemblance to reality.”
Bieber sold his entire music catalog for $200 million in 2023 in a deal that was originally priced at $140 million. His team—led by then-manager Scooter Braun—pushed the number higher, reportedly to secure long-term financial stability.
The profile’s timing added to the speculation already surrounding Bieber’s personal life. Fans have been watching closely following rumors about his health, his recent 'accidental' Instagram unfollow of wife Hailey, and a string of high-profile business shake-ups. That includes ending ties with Braun and denouncing his fashion label, Drew House.
A rep for Bieber addressed those changes in February, saying he had “ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him,” and called the past year “very transformative,” especially after welcoming his son, Jack Blues, last August with Hailey.
Earlier this year, additional controversy emerged when a video of Bieber allegedly using a bong began circulating online.
The clip reignited speculation about possible substance use. However, his representative again responded firmly, telling TMZ: “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true.”
“Justin is currently in one of the best places in his life,” the spokesperson continued. “He has had a very transformative year and ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.”
So whether it’s a viral kiss, financial drama, or full-on fan speculation, Justin Bieber is once again the internet’s favorite obsession—and this time, he’s smiling through it all.