Cult Warning: Waco Survivor David Thibodeau Urges Justin Bi2

In a powerful and personal warning, David Thibodeau, one of the nine survivors of the infamous 1993 Waco siege, is sending a heartfelt message to pop superstar Justin Bieber: Be careful who you follow. With growing whispers that Bieber’s church, Churchome, may have cult-like tendencies, Thibodeau—who lived through one of the most devastating religious tragedies in U.S. history—is urging the singer to listen to his gut and keep his spiritual journey grounded in truth and self-awareness.

Thibodeau knows what he’s talking about. In 1993, he was a member of the Branch Davidians, the apocalyptic sect led by David Koresh that engaged in a 51-day armed standoff with federal agents in Waco, Texas. That confrontation ended in flames and horror, killing more than 80 members of the sect. Thibodeau survived and has since become a vocal advocate for cult awareness, sharing his story in his book, Waco: A Survivor’s Story, and in various documentaries.

Now, three decades later, Thibodeau is speaking out about Justin Bieber’s increasing ties to Churchome, a Christian congregation led by Pastor Judah Smith. While the church boasts celebrity followers and emphasizes a modern, media-savvy message, former friends of Bieber—like his ex-spiritual advisor Ryan Good—have raised red flags, calling Churchome a cult in disguise.

From Waco to Hollywood: A Survivor’s Perspective

Speaking candidly in an interview, Thibodeau made it clear that Churchome is no Branch Davidians, at least not in structure or intensity. “It’s nowhere near as hardcore,” he says. Unlike Koresh’s round-the-clock compound, Churchome isn’t a full-time operation; the congregation meets only once a month, which Thibodeau believes is a good sign.

“That gives Justin time and freedom to explore other spiritual paths,” he explains. But he’s quick to add a warning: Bieber must stay in tune with his intuition. “Don’t go against that pit in your stomach that tells you something’s right or wrong,” Thibodeau advises.

His message is especially potent for someone like Bieber, who has grown up in the glare of the public eye and struggled with fame, faith, and identity. “The fact that Justin’s older now actually works in his favor,” Thibodeau notes. “Younger people are more vulnerable to being manipulated. They haven’t developed the critical thinking skills to resist spiritual coercion.”

Friends or Followers?

Sources close to Bieber say his inner circle has noticeably shrunk, and several former friends point to Churchome as the reason why. One of them is Ryan Good, a former stylist, longtime friend, and spiritual companion of Bieber’s. Good was once a member of Churchome himself, but reportedly left, citing concerns that it resembled a cult.

In TMZ’s latest documentary, TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?—available now on YouTube—the split between Good and Bieber is examined in detail. The fallout has been emotional, but Thibodeau says this kind of social isolation is a common warning sign of spiritual overreach.

He stresses that attacking someone’s faith head-on can backfire. “If Justin’s friends criticize his church too harshly, it might only drive him deeper into it,” Thibodeau warns. “It’s more helpful to engage in respectful dialogue and encourage him to explore his beliefs with curiosity and openness.”

Church or Cult?

Churchome, for its part, has pushed back hard against the idea that it’s a cult. Pastor Judah Smith has denied the allegations, emphasizing that Churchome is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community. The church’s popularity among celebrities, including Bieber and his wife Hailey, has given it a global platform, with sermons often going viral on social media.

But critics point to signs that raise concern: emphasis on charismatic leadership, a tightly knit social circle, and a discouragement of outside influence when it comes to faith discussions. Thibodeau warns that if Churchome is urging Bieber to read only scripture and avoid outside voices, that could be a red flag.

“No spiritual path should discourage questions,” he says. “A healthy faith journey includes doubt, dialogue, and the freedom to explore.”

Lessons From the Fire

Thibodeau’s life was changed forever when he was led out of the burning Branch Davidian compound in handcuffs at age 23. A self-described long-haired hippie at the time, he says he never imagined he’d get caught up in a group that would make global headlines for tragedy and extremism.

He survived by doing one thing every day: counting his blessings. “That’s what helped me break free from the mindset I was stuck in,” he shares. He recommends Bieber do the same—focus on gratitude, maintain self-awareness, and stay connected to a broader support system beyond any single church.

Faith with Freedom

At its best, religion can be a source of strength, community, and hope. At its worst, it can become a trap that isolates and controls. David Thibodeau isn’t accusing Churchome of being a cult—but he knows all too well how subtle the slide into blind devotion can be.

His message to Justin Bieber is one of caution, not condemnation: stay grounded, question everything, and don’t ignore your inner voice. “Faith should lift you up,” he says. “Not cage you in.”

In the complex intersection of fame, faith, and influence, Justin Bieber’s spiritual journey is far from over—but with voices like Thibodeau’s echoing in the background, it might just stay on the right path.

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