MGM addresses claims Bruno Mars has $50 million debt with casino

MGM has responded to accusations that Bruno Mars is in $50 million debt to it.

The hospitality and entertainment company and the 'Locked Out of Heaven' singer announced 'a multi-year partnership' back in 2016, Mars set to be one of the first to take to the stage at two of its new venues in Las Vegas and Maryland.

Earlier this month, an 'insider' came forward claiming Mars - real name Peter Gene Hernandez - had racked up a monumental amount of debt with the company.

And in a move that shocks no one, it turns out some media outlets and many social media users who jumped on the rumor didn't quite get the right side of the story.

It all started when NewsNation reported a 'Las Vegas insider' told the outlet Mars 'owes millions to the MGM,' the outlet adding the debt was a result of 'gambling'.

The source claimed: "[Mars'] debts have gotten as high as $50 million. (MGM) basically own him."

They added the singer 'makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino', but as a result of supposedly having to 'pay back his debt... after taxes Mars makes $1.5 million per night'.

And it didn't take long for social media users to leap online to respond to the news.

Many shared videos of older people, one X video showing a man walking through a casino slowly.

The caption read: "Bruno Mars walking through MGM casino undercover trying to avoid that $50m gambling debt."

Another shared a TikTok video of an older man performing on stage at a slow speed, the caption adding: "Bruno mars in 2069 still trying to pay off $50 million to mgm."

A third user wrote: "Bruno Mars in debt with the MGM Casino for $50 million??? My god, gambling addiction does not play. But also, sounds like it's time for his Vegas residency."

However, MGM has since responded to the accusations against Mars.

A spokesperson for MGM told UNILAD: "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.

"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."

UNILAD has contacted NewsNation and Bruno Mars' representatives for comment.

Topics: Celebrity, Money, US News, Las Vegas, Social Media

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.