Viral Photo of Justin Bieber Kissing Tems at Coachella Deemed Fake

Attendees confirm the two artists only performed together, dispelling rumors of an on-stage kiss.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:48am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged black and white shapes with a striking red accent, conveying the concept of viral misinformation and the need for media literacy without using any text or identifiable imagery.A conceptual illustration highlighting the dangers of unchecked viral misinformation and the importance of verifying facts, especially when it comes to high-profile public figures.Coachella Today

A photo that went viral online claiming to show Justin Bieber kissing Nigerian singer Tems during their Coachella 2026 performance has been debunked as fake. While Bieber did bring Tems on stage to perform with him and Wizkid, multiple attendees have confirmed there was no kiss between the two artists, and the viral photo was simply digitally manipulated.

Why it matters

The fake photo sparked backlash online, with some accusing Bieber of disrespecting his wife Hailey. However, the truth behind the performance has now been clarified, showing the photo was misleading and the artists maintained a professional relationship on stage.

The details

During Bieber's headlining set at Coachella 2026, he brought out Tems and Wizkid to perform their collaborative track 'Essence.' Video footage from the event shows Bieber welcoming Tems on stage, holding her hand, and twirling her as part of their choreographed performance, but no kiss took place.

  • On April 11, 2026, Justin Bieber headlined the Coachella music festival for the first time.
  • During his set, Bieber performed songs from his new two-part album 'Swag' and welcomed Tems and Wizkid on stage.

The players

Justin Bieber

A 32-year-old Canadian pop star who headlined Coachella 2026 and performed with Tems and Wizkid.

Tems

A Nigerian singer who joined Bieber on stage at Coachella 2026 to perform their collaborative track 'Essence' with Wizkid.

Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber's wife, who was the subject of online backlash due to the fake kiss photo.

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What they’re saying

“Justin Bieber kissed Tems live on stage during her Coachella performance and the crowd went wild... Why don't they respect their partners?”

— The Charity Guy

“Bieber did not kiss Tems; instead, they performed to the track, 'Essence,' with Wizkid.”

— Coachella Attendee

The takeaway

This incident highlights the speed at which misinformation can spread online, especially around high-profile celebrity events. It's a reminder to verify claims and not jump to conclusions based on edited or misleading photos.