Pattie Mallette is a talented scriptwriter and producer, but she is perhaps best recognized as the mother of pop superstar Justin Bieber.
Despite her connection to fame, many are unaware of the struggles she has encountered throughout her life.
Justin Bieber stands as one of the most prominent figures in the music industry, and to many, the Canadian artist seems to have it all.
Yet, even those in the spotlight face their own challenges and crises, often hidden from public view. The relationship between Justin and his mother, Pattie Mallette, has had its ups and downs, and given her difficult past, it’s understandable that their dynamic has been complex.
Born on April 2, 1975, in Stratford, Ontario, Pattie hails from a French-Canadian heritage. Unfortunately, her early years were overshadowed by a tragic event. When Pattie was just two years old, her five-year-old sister, Sally, was killed in an accident while crossing the street. This heartbreaking incident left a lasting impact on Pattie’s family and shaped her formative years.
Pattie became a mother to Justin when she was just 17 years old. At that time, she was a single parent and had already faced numerous challenges. As reported by the Daily Mail, Pattie raised Justin on her own in a low-income housing situation in Canada, with some assistance from her parents, who are Justin’s grandparents.
Pattie has shared that she endured years of abuse and violence, starting from the age of 3. She recounted her experiences, saying, “My abusers included a male babysitter, the grandfather of a friend, and neighborhood kids who seemed more mature than their age.”
By the time she turned 14, Pattie began experimenting with various substances. During this period, she also started shoplifting and was ultimately expelled from school for igniting a fire in the bathroom. Tragically, the cycle of sexual abuse persisted. In her book, Pattie reveals that she experienced date rape at the age of 15.
“I was sexually assaulted so many times that over the years, it started to feel like a normal part of my life. It’s a bizarre situation – recognizing that something is wrong while simultaneously becoming accustomed to it,” she reflected.
As a young girl, Mallette discovered her love for acting and singing. By the time she turned nine, she was already appearing on local television programs like Romper Room and Big Top Talent, a children’s talent show aired in her community.
At 15, she started a relationship with Jeremy Bieber, which lasted for four years. However, at the age of 16, she left home and faced hardships, resorting to theft and drug dealing to survive.
“My childhood was filled with pain,” Mallette shared with George Stroumboulopoulos, as reported by Cosmopolitan. “I had a passion for the arts that I connect with Justin, and it brings us closer together.”
As her past and present behaviors began to weigh heavily on her, her mental health continued to decline.
Following an extended struggle with hopelessness and suicidal ideation, the 17-year-old made an attempt on her life. She was then admitted to a mental health facility that practiced Christian conversion therapy.
Once she was discharged from the hospital, Mallette sought out old friends and colleagues who did not share the new faith she had embraced. It was during this time that she reestablished her connection with Jeremy Bieber.
After dating for six months, Pattie discovered she was expecting a child. Justin arrived in London, Ontario, on March 1, 1994.
Although Pattie and Jeremy initially stayed together after their son’s birth, they ultimately chose to part ways a few months later.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Pattie remained a dedicated and involved mother. She encouraged Justin in his passion for music, even assisting him in entering the 2007 Stratford Star talent competition during his teenage years.
The now-famous singer secured second place with his performance of Ne-Yo’s “So Sick,” and Pattie shared the video of his impressive show on YouTube. This video, along with the additional ones she continued to upload, became quite popular over time.
Mallette’s autobiography was released in September 2012 by the Christian publisher Revell.
Entitled “Nowhere But Up,” the book delves into Pattie’s challenging childhood and how she harnessed faith and love to cultivate optimism and strive to be the best single mother for her son.
Today, their relationship has evolved.
Mallette shared with People in 2013 that as children reach a certain age, parenting evolves, and it can be challenging to let go. “His life was intertwined with mine, and now I have to allow him some independence. It’s tough not being able to oversee every decision my adult child makes.”
Following his significant rise to fame, Justin Bieber encountered legal issues. He was arrested in 2014 after police stopped him for street racing at around 4 a.m.
This event created a strain in the relationship between mother and son.
“I always wanted to make my mom proud, and I could tell she was disappointed in me. We went through a period of silence, which made it challenging to rebuild our trust. It’s a tough journey, but things are improving. She is an incredible woman, and I love her,” the star expressed to Billboard in 2015, as reported by Cosmopolitan.
However, that chapter in Justin’s life is now largely behind him, and Pattie beams with pride for her son.
“I am so proud of the remarkable young man you are and the one you are becoming. None of us are perfect, and we will always need to show each other patience and grace. Your authentic relationship with Jesus shines through in the choices you make every day and the positive impact you have. I truly admire your character and integrity. You are growing beautifully and possess wisdom beyond your years,” she wrote on Instagram.
Pattie faced many challenges during her youth, but her journey to grace is genuinely inspiring. If you feel the same, share this story on Facebook!