Justin Bieber’s complex dynamic with his mother, Pattie Mallette, was highlighted this week in his sarcastic response to his mother’s social media prayer for his healing.
Mallette, 50, posted a lengthy message to Instagram in late September about Bieber, alongside a series of photos. In the caption, she addressed her religious faith and asked the “Holy Spirit” to surround her son with “TRUTH, LIGHT, and PROTECTION,” as well as “HEAL EVERY WOUND in his heart, mind, and body.”
“Fill him to OVERFLOWING with Your LOVE and COMFORT. Continue to raise him up as a voice for Your Kingdom, unshaken and on fire for You Lord,” she wrote. “Silence every voice that doesn’t come from You, and let his life be a bold witness of Your power, love, and healing grace. Say amen if you agree.”
Weeks later, Bieber finally responded to his mom’s post in the comments, but with a sarcastic remark.
“Only thing I need healing from is my rolled pinky toe from playing ping pong,” he commented earlier this week.
It’s unclear why Malette was sharing this public prayer for her son and what she was referring to in her post. However, only two days before that, Bieber posted about religion on Instagram, sharing several screenshots of texts, including different mantras, that helped him navigate being in the public eye.
“Jesus teaches that our effort is simply a response. To being gifted life and forgiveness,” the “Baby” singer wrote in the caption. “Jesus becomes the prize. And growth becomes something you desire because of the grace we have received.”
Bieber — married to Hailey Bieber with whom he shares son Jack Blues — and his mom have had a complex relationship over the years. They were estranged from 2013 to 2015, when Bieber’s behavior, including being found guilty of assault and careless driving in Canada, was making headlines.
In 2015, Bieber spoke to Billboard about his estrangement from his mother, saying their connection was “pretty nonexisting.”
“I was distant because I was ashamed. I never wanted my mom to be disappointed in me and I knew she was. We spent some time not talking, so it takes time to rebuild that trust,” he said at the time. “She’s living in Hawaii now, so it’s hard, but getting better. She’s an amazing woman and I love her.”
Though the pair reunited in 2018, they reportedly have not been as close as they previously were. At the time of their reconciliation, Mallette shared a photo of her and her son hugging on Instagram.
“I’m so proud of the amazing young man you are, and the young man you are becoming,” she wrote in the caption. “I admire your character and integrity. You are maturing beautifully and wise beyond your years. You are so funny that I find myself laughing out loud when I’m alone, remembering of something you said or did. And your heart is gold.”
