Justin Bieber Still Has 'Underlying Issues' As New Album Sparks Concern About Singer's Private Struggles

Justin Bieber may be flaunting confidence with his new album and family photoshoots, but insiders say he's battling personal struggles, mood swings, and marital tensions with his wife, Hailey Bieber.

The pop star's latest project, featuring introspective interludes that play like therapy sessions, hints at his struggle with fame and public scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber's Rhode brand continues to thrive after a $1 billion deal, prompting insiders to urge Justin Bieber to return to the stage and perform.

On July 11, Justin Bieber released his latest project, "Swag," accompanied by edgy family photoshoots with his wife, Hailey, and their 11-month-old son, Jack Blues, in which the singer exuded confidence.

However, insiders close to the pop star suggest the confident front may be masking deeper struggles.

Behind the scenes, they point to spats with paparazzi, subtle online friction between him and Hailey, and erratic behavior in the months leading up to the album's release. Some even fear he may be at risk of falling back into old habits.

"[He] doesn't particularly handle [fame] well," one insider told Page Six, noting that Bieber's past continues to shadow him and his family.

"Imagine being 14 and famous and people either love you for no reason, just because you're who you are, or they hate you? There's not a lot of in between. A lot of people wouldn't deal well with that to begin with. It breaks a lot of people. I'm concerned about him," the source said.

A second insider, a celebrity source, echoed the concerns, telling the publication, "He still has underlying issues."

It's been four years since Bieber's last album, "Justice," and two years since he abruptly canceled his world tour over health issues. Now a first-time father, the 31-year-old appears more subdued on his latest project.

The new album even features three interludes with comedian Druski, including one titled "Therapy Sessions," where Bieber openly discusses the weight of his public image.

"What's been a tough thing for me recently is feeling like I have had to go through a lot of my struggles as a human, as all of us do, really publicly," Bieber said during the interlude, with Druski playing the role of his counselor.

"And so people are always asking if I'm OK, and that starts to really weigh on me. It starts to make me feel like I'm the one with the issues and everyone else is perfect," he added.

A source familiar with Bieber told Page Six that the singer's recent social media activity seemed to reflect a sense of frustration and inner turmoil.

"If you have a friend and they're posting [like that] – I can tell he's angry just by looking at his posts," the source said. "He has mood swings – he's kind of an extreme personality in that sense."

The "Baby" hitmaker seemingly touches on strains in his marriage to Hailey on the new album.

In "Walking Away," he sings: "Days go by so fast, don't wanna spend them with you / So tell me why you're throwing stones at my back / You know I'm defenseless. Girl, we better stop before we say some sh–t / We've been testing our patience / I think we better off if we just take a break."

After the couple's efforts to shield their son, Jack Blues, from public scrutiny, some have also questioned Bieber's choice to feature the 11-month-old on the album cover, albeit with his face concealed.

"He obviously wants to protect his kid. But it's like 'Oh, we want privacy,' then they put the kid on album covers and books," the celebrity insider added.

Meanwhile, the family's financial situation appears rock solid, largely thanks to Hailey's booming Rhode beauty brand.

According to multiple sources, Rhode struck a $1 billion deal with e.l.f. Cosmetics, including $800 million in cash upfront and another $200 million tied to the brand's future growth.

As for Bieber, it remains unclear whether he'll tour in support of his new album. Insiders say that question looms large, especially as Hailey's company continues its rapid global expansion.

Those close to the "Boyfriend" singer believe stepping back on stage would do him good, both professionally and personally.

"He needs to perform," the celebrity insider said. "What is his game plan? He's going to have to figure out what's next, unless he wants to be a stay-at-home dad while his wife is running her billion-dollar company."

Hailey's Rhode deal will actually come in handy for her husband, Bieber, as he owes $31.5 million to Scooter Braun's former company, Hybe.

According to TMZ, the singer will be able to settle his massive debt to Hybe when the sale of his wife's beauty brand is finalized.

Insiders with direct knowledge told the news outlet that the agreement between Bieber and Braun includes a key clause: his $31.5 million obligation is on hold until the Rhode deal is officially closed and funds are transferred.

As previously reported by the news outlet, an independent audit revealed that Justin owed Hybe $26 million, following the company's payment to AEG to cover costs associated with his canceled "Justice" tour.

Hailey's beauty brand is reportedly valued at around $1 billion, with several investors involved. While the model will receive a significant share, Bieber, who is also an investor, is expected to earn about $50 million, which should be enough to cover his settlement with Hybe.