Drake curses Justin Bieber after Maple Leafs crushed in Game 7 against Panthers

The Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff season came to an end in disappointment again, and this time even their best-known fans were hurting. Superstar rapper Drake and singer Justin Bieber, two of the sports world's biggest names backing the Leafs, were on the front row for the team's latest playoff flop. But following the devastating 6-1 defeat of the Florida Panthers in Game 7, Drake wasn't afraid to assign blame directly to Bieber.

Drake loses $1.25 million and points fingers at Justin Bieber's curse

The Maple Leafs have developed a knack for playoff disappointment, and this season was no exception. The team has now lost seven consecutive Game 7s, as well as a Game 5 defeat in the 2020 bubble series. In front of their home fans at Scotiabank Arena, with the series hanging in the balance, the Leafs were embarrassed by the Panthers once again, losing by the same 6-1 margin they did in Game 6.

Drake blames Justin Bieber for the Maple Leafs' playoff loss to the Florida Panthers after losing a $1 million bet on Toronto to win Game 7.

"Bieber curse…" pic.twitter.com/N8IEs3w6nk

— No Jumper (@nojumper) May 19, 2025

For Drake, it wasn't a pain that was emotional, it was also financial. The rapper wagered $1 million on a Leafs victory and an additional $250,000 on a two-goal victory margin. The team didn't even get anywhere near.

With fans hurling jerseys and cans onto the ice, Drake went onto Instagram and posted only two words: "Bieber curse…". He was gesturing towards fellow superstar Justin Bieber, who was sitting directly behind the Leafs' bench, as the alleged cause of the Leafs' meltdown.


It's a role reversal traditionally, Drake gets blamed as a bad-luck charm for teams. But this time, he shone the spotlight on Bieber.

Justin Bieber remains true and serves emotional posts after defeat

Despite the drama and disillusionment, Justin Bieber didn't abandon the Leafs. What he did do was post a heartfelt message on Instagram following the defeat. Bieber, an all-time fan of the franchise himself and his buddy Auston Matthews, penned:


I don't recall an instance in my life where I haven't been Leafs-obsessed. This year we went further than we have in so many years and I'm glad for that. I can remain patient because I know this is the team to get it done.


Justin Bieber obviously wishes the Leafs to hold on to their core-four Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander but changes look to be on the horizon. Marner is most likely to be traded this off-season, and Tavares can walk when his contract ends on July 1st.


The Game 7 blowout defeat was perhaps more than the conclusion of a playoff series; it was perhaps the conclusion of an era for Toronto. The fans saw a player overcome with emotion, perhaps wearing the Leafs jersey for the last time, as Marner left the ice.


Also Read: Tree “Most Disappointing Part Of The Series”: Craig Berube's Toronto Maple Leafs' Playoff Debut Shrouded In Tragedy As Game 7 Collapse Hurts