She Refused To Have An Abortion At 17, Now 31 Years Later Her Son Is World Famous
Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in September 2012.
In a deeply personal interview, Pattie Mallette, Justin Bieber’s mother, opened up about the life-altering challenges she faced as a teenager, from surviving abuse to making the decision to keep her baby despite overwhelming pressure to choose otherwise.
Justin Bieber’s mother Pattie Mallette on the red carpet, Photo Credit: pattiemallette/Instagram
Before becoming a mom, Mallette endured years of sexual abuse, a trauma she discusses candidly in her memoir, Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Bieber’s Mom. She revealed how the abuse left her grappling with feelings of shame and self-blame. “It’s something so many survivors experience,” Mallette shared. “You carry this shame and feel like there’s something inherently wrong with you. I definitely carried that burden.”
Her emotional pain culminated in a suicide attempt during her teenage years. Reflecting on that dark period, Mallette explained, “It was the result of years of abuse, coupled with depression and substance abuse. Drugs and alcohol only made things worse. It was a breaking point.”
Pattie Mallette with her son Justin Bieber when he was a little boy.
At just 17, Mallette found herself pregnant with Justin. She faced significant pressure to terminate the pregnancy, but she stood firm in her decision to keep her baby. “I just recognized that I couldn’t go through with it,” Mallette told Gifford. “I didn’t know how I was going to manage, but I was determined to do my best. I had to give him a chance.”
That determination carried her through immense hardships as a young, single mother. When Justin was born, Mallette says the sound of his first cry was unforgettable. “I know it might sound strange, but his cry sounded like music,” she said with a smile. “It was like, ‘A hah, a hah,’ and I thought, ‘This is the most precious sound I’ve ever heard.’ I just wanted to hold him forever.”
Baby photo of Justin Bieber posted to Pattie Mallette’s instagram, Photo Credit: pattiemallette/Instagram
Mallette’s journey from a troubled past to raising one of the world’s most famous pop stars is a story of resilience, faith, and unconditional love. Her decision to choose life, despite the odds, shaped not only her own path but also Justin’s incredible rise to stardom.
Her memoir dives deeper into the struggles and triumphs she experienced along the way, offering a raw and inspiring look at a mother’s love and determination. “I didn’t have all the answers,” Mallette admitted, “but I was committed to giving him the best life I could.”
Photo of Justin Bieber when he was a little boy posted to Pattie Mallette’s instagram
Mallette’s story serves as a testament to overcoming adversity and finding purpose, even in the most challenging circumstances.
He Was Called 'Dumb' Because He Couldn't Read Until Age 31 Yet He Became Famous And Loved By Millions-m
Henry Winkler, best known for bringing “The Fonz” to life on Happy Days, is sharing how he spent years battling an invisible challenge while at the height of his Hollywood career.
The beloved actor played his iconic role for 11 seasons, all while struggling with dyslexia—something he didn’t even know he had until adulthood. Winkler said he was finally diagnosed at 31, only after his stepson was tested in third grade.
A person’s hands holding a book at the park on sunny day
“My stepson, who’s now 53, was diagnosed, and everything the doctors described about him sounded exactly like me,” Winkler revealed in an interview. “It was the moment I realized I wasn’t stupid. My brain was just wired differently.”
Growing up, Winkler said school was a painful experience. Teachers scolded him, classmates mocked him, and he was often punished for not performing well academically. The emotional scars lingered long after he became a television star.
Henry Winkler holding a fish while smiling
Even during his rise in Hollywood, dyslexia made every script a challenge. Winkler admitted reading lines was nearly impossible, so he leaned heavily on memorization and improvisation. “I couldn’t read well, but once I had it down, I could memorize quickly. I’d walk into auditions and make adjustments on the fly. Producers would say, ‘That’s not how it’s written,’ and I’d tell them, ‘I’m giving you the essence of the character,’” he recalled.
The late diagnosis was both freeing and overwhelming. “It shifted my entire perspective in a single moment,” Winkler shared. “I finally understood why I struggled so much. But the shame, the doubt, the years of feeling less than—they take a toll. I had to completely rebuild my self-worth.”
Tom Power in an interview talking about dyslexia with Henry Winkler
For much of his life, Winkler said he had never managed to finish a book cover to cover. Today, that has changed in a big way. Not only does he read, but he has also co-authored more than 30 bestselling children’s books alongside writing partner Lin Oliver. Their hit series include Hank Zipzer and Here’s Hank, both of which feature a boy navigating the ups and downs of school with dyslexia. Winkler’s newest project, Detective Duck, aims to inspire early readers just starting their journey with books.
“Lin and I believe humor is the doorway that opens kids up to reading,” Winkler explained. “And I want every child to know this: struggling to read has nothing to do with how smart you are or how vivid your imagination can be.”
Henry Winkler in an interview talking about dyslexia with Tom Power
Now in his late 70s, the Emmy-winning actor and author continues to use his platform to encourage kids who feel left behind in classrooms—reminding them that learning differently doesn’t mean learning less.
Parents Finally Win Battle To Call Their Baby This 'Banned Name' That's Sparking Outrage
Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in July 2020.
A British couple says what should have been a joyful milestone turned into a tense confrontation after they chose an unconventional name for their newborn son: Lucifer.
Dan and Mandy Sheldon, parents from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, recently visited their local registry office to formally record the birth of their four-month-old baby. But instead of a smooth process, they claim they were met with resistance from a registrar who questioned their decision and warned them about potential consequences.
Dan Sheldon holding his baby son Lucifer in an outdoor area
According to the couple, the official expressed concern that the name—often associated with the devil in religious contexts—could negatively impact the child’s future. The parents allege they were told their son might face difficulties later in life, including challenges in school and employment, due to the name’s controversial reputation.
Dan Sheldon, who runs a plant hire business, said the exchange left them stunned. What they had anticipated as a celebratory moment quickly became uncomfortable, as they felt judged for a choice they viewed as meaningful and unique.
A Certified Copy of an Entry for a birth registered in the Derbyshire district of the United Kingdom,
The father explained that their intention was not rooted in religion or controversy. Instead, he pointed to the name’s historical and linguistic origins, noting that “Lucifer” is derived from Latin and is often interpreted as “light-bringer” or “morning star.” Despite his explanation, he claims the registrar remained unconvinced and even suggested alternative approaches—such as using a different legal name while informally calling the child Lucifer at home.
At one point, the couple said they were asked to step aside while the registrar verified whether the name could legally be approved. Ultimately, the registration went through, but Dan described the process as reluctant and far from welcoming.
Dan Sheldon holding his son Lucifer in an outdoor area
The situation has sparked broader discussion about naming laws and personal freedom. In the United Kingdom, regulations surrounding baby names are relatively lenient compared to some other countries. Names are generally permitted unless they include offensive language, symbols, or elements deemed harmful to the child.
By contrast, nations like New Zealand maintain stricter guidelines. In fact, “Lucifer” was reportedly added to that country’s list of prohibited names over a decade ago.
Local officials later responded to the incident, stating that registrars are tasked with offering guidance to parents, particularly when names may carry strong cultural or historical associations. They also issued an apology if the couple felt offended during the interaction.
Dan Sheldon holding his baby son Lucifer in an interview with ITV morning show
For the Sheldons, however, the experience remains a sour memory tied to what should have been a special occasion. They maintain that parents should have the right to choose names they believe are meaningful—without facing criticism or judgment.
As debates around individuality and tradition continue, this case highlights the delicate balance between personal expression and societal perceptions—especially when it comes to something as personal as a child’s name.
