Hollywood’s biggest stars are often seen living the dream with their fast cars, luxury mansions, and extravagant lifestyles. But sometimes, those dreams take an unexpected turn, and a few top-tier celebrities find themselves banned from exclusive luxury brands. In a bizarre twist of fate, stars like Justin Bieber and Tom Cruise have ended up on the blacklist of prestigious carmakers Ferrari and Bugatti, respectively.
What did they do to deserve such bans? And while Justin Bieber’s transgressions seem plausible, Tom Cruise’s ban has a story that’s almost too funny to believe.
Justin Bieber and Ferrari: A Case of Customization Gone Wrong
It’s no secret that Justin Bieber is a passionate car enthusiast. The “Peaches” singer boasts a collection of high-end cars, from Mercedes to Lamborghini, and has owned multiple Ferrari models over the years, including a Ferrari F430 and a Ferrari 458 Italia. But in 2022, Bieber’s love affair with Ferrari took a sharp turn, resulting in the automaker placing him on a list of individuals banned from purchasing their cars.
Why Did Ferrari Ban Justin Bieber?
Ferrari is not just any car manufacturer; it’s a brand with strict ownership rules. The Italian automaker has a long list of conditions that car owners must adhere to, such as maintaining the car to exacting standards, no extreme modifications, and refraining from selling the car within the first year of ownership.
But Justin Bieber, known for his rebellious nature, didn’t quite follow these guidelines. According to reports, Bieber left one of his prized Ferrari cars sitting in a parking lot for three weeks, a move that did not sit well with the automaker. On top of that, Bieber made some over-the-top customizations to his Ferrari 458 Italia, painting it a controversial blue, and then, to Ferrari’s horror, auctioning the car off in 2017—just months after buying it.
According to Il Giornale, the pop star landed on Ferrari’s veto list, which means Bieber can no longer buy their cars.
For Ferrari, exclusivity is everything, and maintaining a high standard among its clientele is a top priority. Bieber’s violations, although not extreme, were enough to make Ferrari close its doors on him for good.
Why Ferrari’s Rules Matter
Ferrari’s strict policies are designed to protect its brand image. The Italian automaker carefully vets its buyers and keeps a close watch on how its cars are used. This means any tarnishing of the brand—like Bieber’s publicized customizations—puts a driver at risk of being banned.
Tom Cruise’s Bugatti Ban: The Hilarious Tale of the Door That Wouldn’t Open
If Justin Bieber’s Ferrari ban seems a little harsh but somewhat understandable, Tom Cruise’s permanent ban from Bugatti is one for the record books—and for a very strange reason.
How Tom Cruise Got on Bugatti’s Bad Side
Tom Cruise, known for his daring stunts and love of luxury cars, once owned a Bugatti Veyron—a car renowned for being one of the fastest and most expensive vehicles in the world. In 2005, Cruise added the Veyron to his enviable collection of high-end vehicles, but it wasn’t until 2006 that the mishap occurred.
At the Mission: Impossible 3 premiere, Cruise arrived in his Bugatti, making a grand entrance as fans and cameras watched. Everything seemed perfect until he attempted to open the passenger door to let out his then-wife Katie Holmes. The A-lister struggled with the door for what felt like an eternity—nearly a full minute—under the watchful eyes of the world.
While the situation was more embarrassing than damaging, Bugatti wasn’t laughing. The luxury automaker, which prides itself on perfection and performance, reportedly took the incident seriously.
The following reports suggested that Bugatti imposed a lifetime ban on Cruise, forbidding him from ever buying another Bugatti vehicle.
Although the incident seemed minor, it was enough to trigger the luxury brand’s zero-tolerance policy for public blunders.
What Made Bugatti Take Such Drastic Measures?
The idea that a luxury car company would ban one of the most famous actors in the world over a faulty door may sound absurd, but Bugatti’s reputation for flawless engineering is part of its brand appeal. To have a high-profile figure like Tom Cruise fumble with a door on the red carpet is not the image Bugatti wanted to project, especially since its cars are synonymous with luxury, engineering prowess, and exclusivity.
Ferrari and Bugatti: Different Brands, Same Strict Standards
Though the circumstances of Justin Bieber’s and Tom Cruise’s bans are vastly different, both Ferrari and Bugatti share one thing in common: they are ultra-exclusive brands with high expectations for their customers. Whether it’s about customizing a vehicle too much or struggling with something as simple as a car door, these brands protect their image fiercely.
In Ferrari’s case, it’s about maintaining their cars’ integrity, while Bugatti’s ban shows the brand values how their cars are perceived publicly—especially by influential figures. In both cases, the bans have only heightened the allure and exclusivity of these iconic automotive brands.
For most people, getting banned by a car company might be a small inconvenience, but for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Tom Cruise, it’s a reminder that fame doesn’t grant immunity from the rules. Whether it’s for modifications or a red-carpet mishap, both Ferrari and Bugatti have shown that even the world’s biggest stars aren’t exempt from their standards.
So, while fans continue to enjoy their movies and music, Bieber and Cruise may have to find new brands to satisfy their luxury car cravings.