Since joining the Bored Ape Yacht Club, many mainstream media outlets and Twitter critics have blasted Justin Bieber for spending 500 Eth or $1.3 million USD on an ape. However, many in the NFT community believe that these critics fail to understand digital identity.
A quick Google search of Bieber’s name brings up several articles highlighting the fact that Bieber spent five times more than the floor price for a bored ape. A Twitter search shows tons of users laughing at the popstar for his exuberant spending.
As the Bored Ape Gazette previously reported, Bieber made waves at the BAYC over the weekend when he purchased Bored Ape #3001 for 500 Eth or $1.3 million USD. Bored ape #3001 is a five-trait brown fur primate with sad eyes and a black t shirt. Based on these traits, bored ape #3001 is the 9777th most rare ape, according to Rarity Tools.
While some outside the NFT community are confused why Bieber chose to spend so much on Bored Ape #3001, many in the BAYC believe that the popstar bought the ape that he believed best represented him; without considering the price.
“Friendly reminder that ‘he could’ve bought a better ape’ … doesn’t apply,” BAYC member Ape Father tweeted. “Justin has more money than you can imagine. he wanted one he liked … this is pure flex … he don’t give a fuck about rarity.”
Bieber’s estimated net worth is $285 million USD, according to CelebrityNetworth.com. For context, the average US. Households’ net worth in 2020 was $121,700 USD, according to CNBC.
Ape Father’s opinion on Bieber’s purchase being a “pure flex” was echoed by the BAYC founders in a recent interview with Farokh. “We envisioned someone’s Bored Ape as their digital identity, and their access to a club,” the BAYC founders told Farokh in a recent Medium interview.
Later in that same interview with Farokh, the BAYC founders said that they're bullish on people using their NFTs as their digital identity. "We’re bullish on the interoperable metaverse," they said. "In a lot of ways, it’s already here, with how people have adopted NFTs as their digital identity across platforms. But there’s so much more room to grow, and ways to facilitate its adoption."
High profile BAYC members purchasing Bored Apes that best represent them is not new. As the Bored Ape Gazette previously reported, Tonight Show Host and BAYC member Jimmy Fallon recently explained to fellow BAYC member Paris Hilton why he chose his bored ape.
“It reminded me of me a little bit because I wear striped shirts. I’ve worn these heart sunglasses, because my daughter, just as a joke. They have them and as a joke, I’ve put them on. So, I’ve done this.” Fallon says while pointing at his bored ape. “And I love yacht rock and being breezy. So, I’m like yeah. And I like the blue.”
Bieber clearly resonated with Bored Ape #3001. Since purchasing the primate, Bieber shared his ape on Instagram along with lyrics from his song “Lonely.”
““What if you had it all, but nobody to call, maybe then you’d know me. Cuz I’ve had everything but noones listening and that’s just f---in lonely,” Bieber wrote.
