Bruno Mars may not be in debt—but he certainly has a sense of humor. The Grammy-winning artist, 39, poked fun at the ongoing rumors about his financial troubles while celebrating a major career achievement on Tuesday, January 28.
“KEEP STREAMING! I’ll be out of debt in no time,” Mars joked via his Instagram Story, sharing a post announcing that he had officially become the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 150 million monthly listeners.
The post, accompanied by a dancing man emoji, was soundtracked by Silk Sonic’s “777,” a fitting choice given its lyrics: “I’m ’bout to buy Las Vegas after this roll.”
MGM Dismisses Claims That Bruno Mars Owes $50 Million in Gambling Debt
Mars’ remark was a playful nod to persistent rumors that he is deeply in debt to MGM, the company behind his Las Vegas residencies.
Reports surfaced last year alleging that the singer owed $50 million to MGM and was continuing to perform in Vegas to pay off the supposed debt. However, MGM quickly shut down the speculation.
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers,” an MGM Grand spokesperson stated at the time. “From his shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the new Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe.”
Bruno MarsBruno Mars Addresses Debt Rumors on Stage
The representative further emphasized: “MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect. Any speculation otherwise is completely false; he has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Mars himself addressed the rumors during a performance, using humor to play along with the speculation. “Ever since those articles came out about me owing the casino money, you stopped picking up my calls,” he joked while speaking into a prop phone during a show in September 2024. “It’s me, baby—I got money.”
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A month earlier, Mars admitted he wasn’t in a hurry to deny the gossip outright, as it added an intriguing layer to his persona.
“I love the lore that I am a Las Vegas lounge singer in debt to the mob,” he told the Las Vegas Review-Journal in June 2024. “I can work with that.”
Mars recently announced a new series of performances at Park MGM, set to begin on May 21 and run through June 2. In addition to his Vegas shows, he just released “Fat Juicy & Wet,” a provocative collaboration with rapper Sexxy Red.
His success continues on the charts, with his Lady Gaga duet “Die With a Smile” holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, while “APT.” with Blackpink’s Rosé sits at No. 3.
