In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through both local communities and international headlines, a 50-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle while walking with her family in the south of France — and when rescuers arrived at the scene, they were stunned to discover the victim was none other than Pattie Mallette, the mother of global pop sensation Justin Bieber.
The incident occurred late Tuesday afternoon near a busy intersection in Nice, a picturesque coastal city along the French Riviera. According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, the driver — identified as a 24-year-old tourist from the UK — was distracted by his phone and failed to stop at a red light. Surveillance footage later confirmed he was texting just moments before the impact.
Mallette was walking with a small group, believed to be relatives and friends, when she began crossing the street at a designated pedestrian crosswalk. The vehicle barreled through the intersection without slowing down, striking her directly and sending her several feet into the air before she landed hard on the pavement. Witnesses described the scene as “chaotic and horrifying.”
“She was thrown like a rag doll,” said one onlooker. “People screamed. The car just kept going for another few meters before stopping. You could hear the panic in everyone’s voices.”
Emergency services arrived within minutes. It was only during initial assessment that first responders realized the victim was Pattie Mallette — a well-known figure not only as Justin Bieber’s mother, but also an author and advocate for mental health and women’s issues.
“She was conscious but clearly in shock and pain,” said a spokesperson from the emergency response team. “Despite her condition, she immediately asked that we reassure her family.”
Mallette was quickly transported to Centre Hospitalier de Nice, where she is being treated for multiple injuries, including a fractured shoulder, a dislocated hip, and several bruised ribs. Thankfully, hospital officials have confirmed that her condition is stable and non-life-threatening.
Justin Bieber, who is currently in Los Angeles preparing for his upcoming tour dates, was reportedly notified within minutes of the incident. According to sources close to the singer, he was “completely shaken” and immediately made arrangements to fly to France.
A representative for the Bieber family released a brief statement late Tuesday night:
“Pattie is receiving excellent care and is in stable condition. The family is grateful for the swift response of local authorities and medical personnel. Justin is by her side.”
As news of the accident spread, fans around the world flooded social media with messages of support, using hashtags like #PrayForPattie and #JusticeForPattie. Celebrities and fellow musicians also expressed their concern. Singer Demi Lovato tweeted, “Sending love and healing to Pattie and the Bieber family tonight.”
The driver has since been taken into custody and is facing multiple charges, including reckless driving, failing to yield at a pedestrian crossing, and use of a mobile device while operating a vehicle — all of which carry serious penalties under French law. Blood tests confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but investigators have described his actions as “grossly negligent.”
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin issued a public reminder in response to the incident:
“This tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers of distracted driving. No text message is worth a human life. We must do more to enforce laws that protect pedestrians and hold careless drivers accountable.”
Pattie Mallette’s personal journey has been one of resilience. A single mother who raised Justin in challenging circumstances, she has been open about her struggles and triumphs in her bestselling memoir Nowhere but Up. Many fans have long admired her strength, and the current outpouring of support shows just how much affection the public holds for her.
While the road to recovery may take weeks or even months, sources close to the family say Pattie remains optimistic and strong-willed. “She’s always been a fighter,” one friend noted. “If anyone can walk through this stronger, it’s her.”
This developing story continues to draw attention not only because of the celebrity connection, but because it serves as a tragic reminder of how easily one moment of distraction can change lives forever.
Authorities are expected to release a full investigation report in the coming days, and legal proceedings against the driver are already underway. As for Pattie, the world waits, hoping for a full recovery — and sending love to the woman behind the man who changed pop music forever.
