Bruno Mars is not only making waves in the music world but also having some fun with the rumors surrounding his finances. The 39-year-old singer surprised fans at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, July 13, when he joined BLACKPINK’s Rosé on stage during their DEADLINE World Tour to perform their hit song “APT.”
The unexpected cameo sent fans into a frenzy, but it was what Mars posted the following day on Instagram that really grabbed attention.
Bruno Mars Takes a Humorous Approach to Debt Rumors
On Monday, Mars posted a playful message on Instagram that hinted at a past rumor involving significant gambling debt. The post read, “Almost out of debt BehhhhhBehhhhh!!! Preciate You ROSAAAAYYYYYY!!!! 🥳,” alongside a video of him smiling and running onto the stage as confetti fell around him.
While it seemed lighthearted, the post appears to reference the much-discussed claims made earlier this year about Mars allegedly racking up over $50 million in gambling debt during his Las Vegas residency at Park MGM.
In March 2024, a report from NewsNation quoted a source suggesting that MGM Resorts “basically owns” Mars due to his alleged gambling losses. However, MGM Resorts was quick to deny these rumors, issuing a statement praising their longstanding partnership with Mars.
The statement emphasized that Mars had no debt with the company and that their relationship was based on mutual respect.
Mars and MGM’s Refutation of the Gambling Rumors
MGM’s official response to the debt rumors was clear. “We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers.
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,” the statement said.
They also stressed that any speculation about Mars owing debt was “completely false,” and they looked forward to continuing their collaboration in the future.
Mars Has Been Open About the Rumors with a Sense of Humor
Bruno Mars has frequently addressed the gambling rumors with a mix of humor and grace. Earlier in January, when celebrating his achievement of becoming the first artist to reach 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Mars shared the milestone with his followers, joking, “Keep streaming! I’ll be out of debt in no time!”
His playful comments reflect his laid-back attitude toward the controversy.
During a June 2024 interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Mars was asked directly about the gambling rumors. He responded, “Absolutely not! I love the lore that I am a Las Vegas lounge singer in debt to the mob. I can work with that,” showing he wasn’t taking the speculation too seriously.
Mars’ Las Vegas Residency Continues
Despite the rumors, Mars’ Las Vegas residency has been a major success. Originally scheduled to wrap up in August 2023, Mars extended his shows, adding five additional dates in December 2023 and five more in February 2024.
Fans can still catch him live at Dolby Live at Park MGM on select dates in August and September 2025, continuing his role as one of the most dynamic performers in the world.