On Sunday, Feb. 23, a rep for the pop star denied that he is using drugs following recent concerns about his behavior

Justin Bieber in New York City in September 2021. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Justin Bieber posted a series of photos that are sparking backlash.

On Monday, March 3, the pop star shared an Instagram post, which featured a series of snaps where he appeared to be smoking out of a bong.

In the series of snaps, Justin, 31, can be seen on a bike blowing smoke out of his mouth while holding a bong. By the end of the series, the “Baby” hitmaker can be seen leaning on the bike as the bong sits on the ground.

Justin Bieber in New York City in January 2025.TheStewartofNY/GC Images

After sharing them, fans in the comments section criticized the “One Time” artist’s photos.

“@justinbieber you’re a new father, something you’ve wanted. Set a better example for your son💙” one commenter wrote, referring to his 6-month-old son Jack Blues, whom he shares with wife Hailey Baldwin Bieber.

Another one added: “I hope Jack doesn’t have to be around all this smoke. A kid doesn’t deserve it.”

Other users came to Justin’s defense.

“why does is surprise yall to see a celebrity smoke like 75% of the world does, there’s literally so many people that smoke and he’s obviously not doing it in front of his son. my parents smoked through my childhood and i never knew until i was older and they raised me just fine, yall are sensitive,” one commenter wrote.

“i love when you’re just being you,” a fan wrote.

A rep for Justin declined to comment to PEOPLE.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, Justin shared an Instagram video of himself rapping some lyrics, including the words “fly high,” two days after his representative denied that he was using drugs in response to concerns about his behavior.

In a statement, which was first reported by TMZ, a member of Justin and Hailey’s team claimed that the narrative that he is using drugs is false and called the allegations “exhausting.”

They further added that the past year has been “very transformative” for Justin “as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.”

Instead, the rep said that Justin is supporting Hailey, 28, and their son, and is focusing on his health and art.

They slammed rumors about his drug use as “exhausting and pitiful,” adding that “despite the obvious truth, people are committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.”

At the time, a rep for Justin declined to provide further comment to PEOPLE.

After he received criticism for looking tired last month with dark circles around his eyes, TMZ reported that Justin had pulled an all-nighter for a recording session and was caring for his son, who was struggling to sleep.

Over the years, Justin has been candid about his past drug use.

Justin and Hailey Bieber; Justin Bieber and son Jack Blues.Justin Bieber/Instagram

In May 2021, he spoke to GQ about reaching a low point where security guards would sneak into his bedroom in the middle of the night and check his pulse to make sure he was still alive.

In September 2019, he opened up about how the unmanageable “ups and downs” of being an entertainer caused him to start relying on “heavy drugs” by age 19 in a lengthy post on Instagram.