Justin Bieber and wife Hailey are self-isolating during the COVID-19 crisis at their $5 million property in south-central Ontario – and they are acknowledging that not everyone has it so easy.
“I woke up today healthy which I am so grateful for but I know there are people who didn’t,” Bieber wrote in an Instagram post he shared on Sunday. “We understand there are a lot of people who can’t afford to stay home right now, people who don’t know how they are going to pay their bills.
“There are people facing extreme anxiety and worry. We are currently working on ways to help those in financial crisis and will let you know how you can help as well.”
The couple has been enjoying the spring weather on their 43-hectare property and going for rides on Puslinch Lake in their motorboat (which has seats covered in “Drew” stickers).
During a stroll out to a pond at the front of their property, the couple recorded a video message in which Bieber thanked “all of the hospital staff and all the people working in this time, putting themselves on the line to help people. You guys are awesome and we appreciate you.”
Bieber has also been keeping in touch with fans via regular Instagram Live sessions.
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Bieber purchased the 880-square-metre custom-built home in 2018. It’s located about 90 minutes east of the London, Ont. hospital where he was born and only a 40-minute drive away from his father’s home near Stratford. (Perhaps more important for Bieber is the fact that there’s a Tim Horton’s about 15 minutes away.)
The singer’s property has some sad history. In October 2012, 47-year-old Russell Hawkins died there when the Cessna he was in crashed shortly after taking off from the lake.
Earlier this month, Bieber announced he was postponing his Changes tour due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It was scheduled to kick off in Seattle on May 14 and included stops on Sept. 1 in Ottawa, Sept. 3 in Quebec City, Sept. 10 in Toronto and Sept. 14 in Montreal.
In his message to fans over the weekend, Bieber acknowledged the uncertainty people are feeling.
"Our routines, structure, and plans are all altered due to a horrific virus that is sweeping our nation," he wrote. "There are people who have lost love ones and also people battling for their lives.
“I want to say that Hailey and I are praying for you, we are praying for those who have endured loss and those who are enduring a great deal of discomfort due to this virus.”