David Thibodeau, one of the few survivors of the deadly 1993 Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, is sending a heartfelt warning to Justin Bieber amid growing concern about the singer’s association with the controversial Churchome community.
In a recent interview, Thibodeau—who lived through one of the most infamous cult disasters in modern American history—shared advice with Bieber, encouraging the pop star to trust his instincts and remain cautious. “Don’t go against that pit in your stomach that says something is right or wrong,” Thibodeau said, adding that intuition is often the first line of defense against manipulation.
Bieber, who has been affiliated with Churchome and its pastor, Judah Smith, for years, has reportedly seen his inner circle shrink. Sources suggest that several of Bieber’s former friends believe Churchome operates more like a cult than a traditional Christian church, prompting some to distance themselves from the star.
While Thibodeau made it clear that Churchome is not as extreme as the Branch Davidians, he still raised red flags. “The Branch Davidians were a 24/7 operation. You couldn’t think for yourself, and everything was controlled. Churchome isn’t that—at least not yet,” he said. “But if leadership is telling you to only read scripture and avoid outside perspectives, that’s a serious concern.”
Churchome, based in Washington state and Los Angeles, has drawn celebrity followers over the years, including Bieber and his wife, Hailey. It’s known for its modern approach to worship and celebrity-centric events, but accusations of spiritual manipulation and cult-like behavior have followed the church, especially in recent years.
Thibodeau, who was only in his early 20s when he was drawn into the Branch Davidians, emphasized that age and maturity can be powerful tools. “Justin’s lucky he’s older now. When you’re younger, you’re easier to influence,” he explained. “Being more mature gives him an advantage—he can ask questions, research, and explore faith with a broader perspective.”
In TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?—a recent YouTube documentary—the pop star’s former friend Ryan Good shared that he left Churchome because he believed it had cult-like tendencies. Smith has denied all claims suggesting the church is a cult.
Thibodeau warned that trying to confront Bieber aggressively about Churchome might backfire. “If friends come at him too hard, it’ll only push him closer to the church. That’s how these things work,” he said. “If you want to help someone, come from a place of compassion, not confrontation.”
He also recommended that Bieber develop a daily gratitude practice, which helped him escape the lingering emotional grip of the cult he once called home. “When I left, I had to rebuild everything. I survived because I reminded myself every day of what I had to be thankful for,” Thibodeau said. “Justin might benefit from that too. Count your blessings. Anchor yourself in real life.”
Thibodeau, who once described himself as a long-haired drummer seeking community, was one of only nine people who made it out alive from the fiery conclusion of the Waco siege. He’s since become a public speaker, musician, and author of Waco: A Survivor’s Story, which recounts the devastating 51-day standoff between the Branch Davidians and federal agents.
As Bieber continues to navigate his spiritual path, Thibodeau’s message stands as a grounded and powerful reminder: remain curious, stay open, and never ignore the voice within.
“Faith can be beautiful, but blind faith can be dangerous,” Thibodeau said. “No matter how famous or faithful you are, you still have to think for yourself.”