Is Justin Bieber in a cult? That's the million-dollar question fans and some of his closest former friends are now asking.

According to a bombshell TMZ report on Tuesday (April 22), Ryan Good, a member of Bieber's inner circle and co-founder of the star's fashion label Drew House, believes the pop icon may be caught up in something far darker than the public realizes.

Sources told the outlet that Good, 41, hasn't spoken to the "Peaches" singer in over a year due to growing concern about Bieber's spiritual mentor and pastor, Judah Smith. The rift reportedly deepened after Good left Churchome, the Beverly Hills-based church where Smith sits on the leadership board. After he left the church, he began to view it as a cult.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Churchome (@churchome)

Bieber co-founded the brand in 2019 with Good, who served as creative director. However, Good reportedly distanced himself from both Bieber and the brand after Bieber appointed Smith to the board – a move insiders described as "weird" given Smith's limited business experience and his strained relationship with Good. 

Sources close to the situation told TMZ that Bieber's deepening relationship with Smith was a "big factor in their separation."

Good, who also once served as Bieber's road manager, is said to be genuinely worried about his former friend's mental state. His concern was heightened after a series of public incidents and cryptic online messages that have left fans also wondering what's really going on.

Earlier this month, Bieber stunned his fandom by publicly distancing himself from Drew House. In a blunt Instagram Story, he wrote, "I, Justin Bieber, am no longer involved in this brand… Drew House doesn't represent me or my family or life. If you're rocking with me, the human Justin Bieber, don't waste ur money on Drew House."

@parismatch #justinbieber #haileybieber #haileybaldwin #tiktokmusic #rhode ♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER - jessica

While that post alone sparked panic among Beliebers, it's just one of several odd moments that have unfolded this year. In February, Bieber was spotted swaying and seemingly disoriented at wife Hailey Bieber's Rhode skincare event in Los Angeles. However, his rep slammed speculation that he was on drugs. They called the rumors "exhausting and pitiful." 

Then, in March, he hopped on Instagram Live, rapping with luggish speech.  And it's not just fans noticing. In a heartbreaking Hollywood Reporter exposé published last week (April 16), several of Bieber's former collaborators expressed growing unease about his well-being.

"Seeing him disintegrate like this … it's watching the embodiment of someone not living their purpose," one ex-team member shared.

Another added bluntly, "He's lost. There's no one protecting him because there's no one there willing to say no to him. You say no, you get blown out." Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, who co-wrote some of Bieber's biggest hits, told the outlet, "Whatever he's going through, I pray for him and hope he's OK."

So where does that leave Bieber now? With his inner circle shrinking, his professional relationships crumbling, and fans left reading between the lines, many are wondering if the singer is on the brink of something…whether it's a comeback or collapse.

How do you feel about this situation? Leave your Fan Of View and theories below, or DM @fandomdaily_ on Instagram.

Photo Credit: @justinbieber on Instagram.