Inside the tough and challenging life of Pattie Mallette
Despite being a producer and screenwriter, Pattie Mellette is most recognized today as the mother of pop sensation Justin Beiber.
However, few truly know her story or the struggles she has endured along the way.
Many see Justin Bieber, the Canadian superstar, as having it all—fame, fortune, and success—cementing his status as one of the biggest stars in the world.
However, even celebrities face struggles and crises—often hidden from the public eye. Given his mother’s challenging past, it’s no surprise that Justin Bieber and Pattie Mallette have had a complicated relationship.
Born on April 2, 1975, in Stratford, Ontario, Pattie Mallette, of French-Canadian descent, endured heartbreaking hardships throughout her early years—trials that would shape both her life and her relationship with her son.
When Pattie was just two years old, tragedy struck her family—her five-year-old sister, Sally, was fatally hit by a car while crossing the street. This devastating loss cast a long shadow over Pattie’s childhood, leaving an indelible mark on her early years.
At just 17, Pattie became a mother to Justin, facing the immense challenges of single parenthood. Despite her struggles, she was determined to give her son the best life possible. According to the Daily Mail, Pattie raised Justin alone in a modest, low-income apartment in Canada, navigating hardships with unwavering resilience.
Her parents, Justin’s grandparents, provided her with some assistance.
Pattie claims that she had years of abuse and violence beginning when she was three years old. She clarified:
“A male babysitter, a friend’s grandfather, and kids in the neighborhood who are allegedly older than their years are among my offenders,” she claims.
She started using various drugs when she was fourteen years old. She also started stealing from stores at this time, and she was dismissed from school for igniting a bathroom fire. Unfortunately, the sexual abuse in the novel persisted. Patti details being raped on a date when she was fifteen in her book.
Pattie endured so many instances of sexual assault that, over time, the horror of it all began to feel disturbingly normal. “It’s a strange paradox,” she reflected. “Knowing something is deeply wrong, yet finding it familiar and almost expected.”
Despite her painful past, Pattie found solace in the arts. From a young age, she had a passion for acting and singing, making her debut on local television at just nine years old. She appeared on shows like Romper Room and Big Top Talent, showcasing her natural talent and love for performance.
At fifteen, she began dating Jeremy Bieber, but her troubled home life pushed her to run away at sixteen, ending their relationship. Struggling to survive, Pattie turned to selling drugs and shoplifting. “My childhood was really painful,” she later told Cosmopolitan’s George Stroumboulopoulos. “But Justin and I share a love for the arts, and that’s something that connects us.”
As her past traumas and self-destructive choices caught up with her, Pattie’s mental health spiraled. Overwhelmed by despair and suicidal thoughts, she attempted to take her own life at 17. She was subsequently admitted to a mental health facility that practiced Christian conversion therapy.
Following her release, Pattie reconnected with old acquaintances who did not share her newfound faith. It was during this time that she and Jeremy Bieber crossed paths once again.
Six months into their rekindled relationship, Pattie discovered she was pregnant. On March 1, 1994, she gave birth to Justin in London, Ontario. Though she and Jeremy attempted to make their relationship work, they ultimately parted ways after a few months.
Despite the hardships she had endured, Pattie remained a devoted and supportive mother. She nurtured Justin’s musical talents, encouraging him to follow his dreams. When he was a teenager, she played a key role in helping him compete in the 2007 Stratford Star talent show—an opportunity that would change both of their lives forever.
Justin Bieber’s journey to stardom began with a single performance—his heartfelt rendition of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick” at the 2007 Stratford Star talent show. Though he placed second, it was a defining moment. Pattie, beaming with pride, uploaded the footage to YouTube, unaware that this small act would set the stage for her son’s meteoric rise. As she continued sharing his performances online, his talent quickly caught the attention of the world.
In September 2012, Pattie released her memoir, Nowhere But Up, through the Christian publishing house Revell. The book delved into her turbulent childhood and how faith and love helped her overcome adversity, allowing her to become the best single mother she could be.
As Justin grew older, their relationship evolved. When he turned 19, Pattie admitted to People, “When your kids hit a certain age, your parenting style changes, and it’s hard letting go. I’ve had to step back and let him be independent because his life was my life. It’s difficult not being able to oversee every decision.”
Justin’s rapid rise to fame came with its own challenges. In 2014, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons—arrested for street racing in the early hours of the morning. The incident created a painful rift between mother and son. “I knew my mom was disappointed in me, and I never wanted her to feel that way,” he admitted. “Rebuilding that trust takes time. We didn’t speak for a while, and it was tough. But we’re getting better.”
Despite past struggles, Pattie never stopped believing in her son. In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Justin called her “an amazing woman” and expressed his love for her. Today, she remains one of his proudest supporters, cherishing the man he’s becoming.
Sharing her admiration on Instagram, she wrote:
“I’m so proud of the incredible young man you are and the one you’re growing into. Your deepening connection with Jesus is reflected in the choices you make every day. None of us are perfect—we all need grace and patience—but I respect your values and character. You’re growing wiser beyond your years and maturing beautifully.”
