Justin Bieber’s performance in the celebrity hockey game for Skate for LA Strong on February 23, 2025, sparked plenty of conversation—on and off the ice. Bieber laced up at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles, joining a charity game to raise donations for wildfire victims. But what stole the show wasn’t his skating—it was what happened mid-game.

In a lighthearted moment, Bieber found himself in a playful brawl with former NHL star Jeremy Roenick. Roenick pulled Bieber’s jersey over his head as Bieber threw a few harmless punches, none landing. The crowd laughed—but social media had a different reaction.

Before the game, Bieber was in high spirits, joking with Mark Messier and other players. “This was an amazing celebration of hockey and first responders. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone that showed up,” he said. Not everyone, however, saw it that way.

Fans react poorly to Justin Bieber’s on-court brawl

The charity game was meant to bring people together, but many fans weren’t impressed. “Glad I didn’t watch this shit show,” one person wrote, dismissing the game entirely. And that was just the start.

Others questioned Justin Bieber’s involvement. “Are these grown men? Why are they fighting like toddlers, and wtf is Bieber doing in an American jersey?” another asked. But the real discussion wasn’t about his hockey skills—it was about his appearance.

Recent photos of a leaner Bieber had already fueled speculation about his health. His presence at the game only amplified those concerns. Then came an official response.

In a statement to TMZ, Justin Bieber’s rep shut down rumors. “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true.” They described his recent changes as “transformative,” attributing them to personal and professional shifts. Still, skepticism lingered. Some fans also criticized Roenick’s playful fight with Bieber. “This is cringe,” one wrote. Many felt the fight looked scripted. “Kinda wish Roenick kicked him in the teeth,” a blunt commenter posted. But beyond the theatrics, the event had a bigger purpose.

Despite mixed reactions, the game fulfilled its mission, raising funds for wildfire relief. Roenick, who scored twice for Team Red, called it “an amazing celebration of hockey and first responders.” Yet, the headlines were all about Bieber.

Throughout the game, Justin Bieber kept his helmet and mask on, avoiding full visibility. While the event was meant to be fun, it highlighted the constant scrutiny Bieber faces. In the end, Skate for LA Strong succeeded in uniting athletes, celebrities, and fans for a good cause. Bieber’s participation, despite the criticism, showed his commitment to using his platform for something positive. But as always, the reactions told two very different stories.