Lentz Family Reveals 24-Hour Eviction from Bieber Home After 2020 Scandal
Former Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz and his wife Laura have detailed in their new book how they were abruptly evicted from a New York apartment lent by Justin and Hailey Bieber following Carl's 2020 infidelity scandal. The Lentzes claim the Biebers rescinded their offer of temporary housing with only 24 hours' notice once the affair became public. While Carl acknowledges he put the Biebers in a difficult position, he argues his family were innocent bystanders. The couple has since launched a media campaign to promote their book, 'Overcoming Infidelity,' though critics question their motives.
Key points
- Carl and Laura Lentz published 'Overcoming Infidelity' on October 20, 2026, detailing their marital struggles.
- The Lentzes claim Justin and Hailey Bieber gave them 24 hours to vacate a New York apartment after Carl's affair was exposed in 2020.
- Carl Lentz was fired from Hillsong NYC in 2020 for 'moral failures' and an affair with a nanny.
- Tyler Perry reportedly housed the Lentz family in his Manhattan Beach mansion after the Biebers evicted them.
- The Lentzes are currently promoting their book via podcasts and social media, drawing criticism for seeking attention.
Background
Carl Lentz was a prominent pastor at Hillsong NYC and a close friend of Justin Bieber, having baptized him in 2014. The Biebers and Lentzes had a close relationship, with the Lentzes staying with the Biebers in New York. In 2020, Carl was fired from Hillsong after admitting to an affair and Adderall addiction. This incident followed a broader scandal involving Hillsong founder Brian Houston, who resigned in 2022 after misconduct allegations.
How outlets are covering it
Page Six and The Cut report that the Lentzes were evicted from the Biebers' apartment with 24 hours' notice after Carl's infidelity became public. Carl Lentz acknowledges he put the Biebers in a 'precarious place' but feels his wife and children were innocent victims. Slate criticizes the Lentzes for using their scandal to gain attention, describing their book promotion as a 'gauzy comeback' that exploits Christian forgiveness narratives. The Wartburg Watch questions the Lentzes' motives, suggesting they are seeking relevance through influencer platforms rather than genuine repentance. All sources agree that the Biebers have not commented on the eviction claims.
Why it matters
The story highlights the intersection of celebrity culture, religious institutions, and public accountability. It raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in managing personal scandals and the ethics of using trauma for media promotion. The Lentzes' actions may influence how other public figures handle similar crises, potentially setting precedents for how infidelity and addiction are addressed in high-profile contexts.
What to watch
The Lentzes are expected to continue promoting their book through various media channels, including podcasts and social media. They may face further scrutiny from critics who question their motives and the authenticity of their repentance. The Biebers have not responded to the claims, and it is unclear if they will address the situation publicly. The Lentzes' media campaign could lead to increased attention on their personal lives and the broader Hillsong scandal.
- Justin and Hailey Bieber abruptly kicked ex-Hillsong pastor’s family out of home over cheating scandal Page Six
- Hillsong’s Former Pastor Is Rehashing His Beef With the Biebers The Cut
- America’s Most Famous Pastor Just Revealed How He Treats His Wife. It Tells Us Something About Evangelicals. Slate
- Carl and Laura Lentz Hit the Social Media Influencer Trail to ‘Share’ Their Journey. What’s Going On? The Wartburg Watch
- Carl and Laura Lentz on Five Years of Public Judgment: 'You Can't Not See God Through Our Story' RELEVANT Magazine
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