MGM Resorts Responds to Claims Bruno Mars Owes It $50 Million

Article by : Erik Gibbs Mar 19, 2024

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MGM Resorts emphatically asserts that its bond with Bruno Mars thrives on mutual respect and admiration, dismissing any insinuation to the contrary as unfounded speculation. The statement comes following reports that the musician owes the casino operator $50 million in unpaid gambling debts.

In a statement issued on Monday, the company vehemently refutes a report circulated by various media sources on Friday, which alleged that the headliner at Park MGM, Bruno Mars, had accrued significant gambling debts amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

Following inquiries, a spokesperson from MGM Resorts International promptly emailed a statement expressing its immense pride in their partnership with Bruno Mars. It highlighted Mars as a globally renowned performer celebrated for his electrifying stage presence and captivating performances.

The statement also emphasized Mars’ contributions to the entertainment scene, from his spectacular shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM to the recently launched Pinky Ring lounge at Bellagio, which continues to attract visitors from all over the world.

MGM maintained that Mars does not owe any debt to the company and that together, they remain committed to crafting unforgettable experiences for their guests.

According to a report by various media sources, Mars continues his residency at Dolby Live to alleviate any purported debts. Although unverified, the report claims Mars earns $1.5 million per night, amounting to $60 million annually after taxes.

Allegedly, this has led to claims that MGM essentially has control over him. However, even if these figures were accurate, Mars’ potential losses would still fall short by at least $10 million compared to his earnings from the Dolby Live residency.

Since its opening on February 10, Mars has made multiple appearances at the club, where his backing band, The Hooligans, also performs. A source familiar with Mars’ residency dismissed the report, labeling it as “nonsense.”

Renowned for hits like “Uptown Funk,” Bruno Mars predominantly graces the stages of Aria and Bellagio rather than Park MGM.

Mars’ electrifying stage spectacle made its debut in December 2016 and has seen multiple extensions since. While the essence of the show remains largely unchanged since its inception, Mars implemented a strict “pouch-only” policy for phones in 2018.

Over time, whispers about his gambling activities have circulated within the hotel, culminating in the recent NewsNation report, which was swiftly refuted by MGM.

The report also touched on a rumored rift between Mars and his collaborator Anderson Paak, who co-headlined the sold-out Silk Sonic series at Dolby Live from 2022 to 2023.

Allegedly, Paak felt slighted in terms of compensation, sparking tensions. However, the two artists have since reconciled.

Despite mentions of upcoming Silk Sonic dates at Dolby Live in May, these shows are absent from the venue’s ticket schedule. A spokesperson reiterated that there are no scheduled performances by Silk Sonic at Park MGM at the moment.