Bruno Mars Jokes About “Almost Out of Debt” After Viral $50M Gambling Claim
Another day, another viral moment. Bruno Mars couldn’t resist trolling himself after a wild internet rumor claimed he’d racked up a staggering $50 million gambling debt, joking on Instagram that he was “almost out of debt” following his surprise stage appearance with Blackpink in Los Angeles. The playful post, shared July 14, featured footage of the “Apt.” duet with Rosé and a caption reading “Almost out of debt BehhhhhBehhhhh!!! Preciate You ROSAAAAYYYYYY!!!!” which directly taunted a March 2024 report alleging he spent tens of millions at MGM Resorts.
That rumor suggested Bruno’s long-term performance partnership with MGM Casinos—dating back to 2016—had been quietly covering his losses. But MGM Resorts International quickly set the record straight in a statement to E! News, emphasizing that “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect” and categorically denying any gambling debt. The hotel chain lauded the singer as “one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers” and expressed excitement about future collaborations.
Mars has previously lampooned the same rumor. In January, after Spotify crowned him the first artist to reach 150 million monthly listeners, he urged fans in an Instagram Story to “KEEP STREAMING,” quipping that every play would help him pay off his imaginary debt. This self-aware humor showcases Bruno’s knack for leaning into gossip rather than letting it fester.
While Bruno’s debt jokes have taken center stage online, other stars have spoken out about their own financial realities. Dancing With the Stars pro Jenna Johnson recently revealed that contestants earn a guaranteed salary through the show’s semifinals, plus bonuses. According to interviews compiled by ABC, dancer pay starts around $1,200 to $1,600 per episode—rising to roughly $100,000 for a full season—while celebrity participants receive a base of $125,000 and can pocket up to an extra $50,000 by reaching the finals.
Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence has also been candid about pay disparities in Hollywood. She earned $25 million for Adam McKay’s disaster comedy Don’t Look Up, while co-star Leonardo DiCaprio hauled in $30 million. As she told Vanity Fair, questioning unequal pay can feel “extremely uncomfortable,” and her own experience sparked a broader conversation about gender gaps after the 2014 Sony email hack revealed discrepancies in her American Hustle salary. Lawrence later told Channel 4 News that her personal earnings weren’t a concern—“My problem is not money,” she said—yet her willingness to address pay inequity resonated industry-wide.
In a culture obsessed with celebrity bankrolls, Bruno Mars’s self-deprecating humor cuts through the noise. He’s not just performing on stage; he’s taking control of the narrative and reminding fans that rumors are often just headlines without context. As the internet continues to spin tales of mega-debts and massive paychecks, Mars’s laid-back response offers a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best way to shut down a rumor is with a well-timed joke. Okay cool, so like, yeah, that happened.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Spotify, ABC, Vanity Fair, Channel 4 News
Attribution: Aaron J Thornton (Creative Commons)
