It’s been a chaotic week in the Bieber-verse. Between Hailey Bieber’s major milestone, her first solo Vogue cover, sparking more controversy than applause, Justin Bieber’s questionable Instagram antics, and now, Selena Gomez subtly entering the conversation without uttering a single word, it’s hard to know where to begin. But let’s rewind and unpack what’s really been going on. Hailey Bieber’s appearance on the cover of Vogue Australia should’ve been a straightforward victory. The digital cover, featuring her soaked under a cascade of water while donning an oversized striped shirt, was meant to be empowering, artistic, and symbolic of a new chapter for the model and entrepreneur. The accompanying interview highlighted how she’s learning to block out noise and focus on joy, with the tagline: “Hailey Bieber is shutting out the noise—and finding her bliss.”
But that “bliss” may have been short-lived.
Just hours after the cover dropped, Justin Bieber decided to post it on his Instagram. At first glance, it seemed like a classic husband move: a proud show of support. But the original caption told a different, far more complicated story.
Justin wrote:
The post was meant to be a sweet confession, a reflection on personal growth, but it missed the mark. The idea that Justin once doubted Hailey’s potential enough to weaponize her dreams in a fight didn’t sit right with a lot of fans. The word “mistaken” also raised eyebrows, some interpreted it as Justin unintentionally suggesting he didn’t think she deserved the cover, even now. The moment quickly spiraled from sentimental to cringe-worthy. Public reaction was swift and divided. Some praised Justin’s honesty and vulnerability, applauding him for showing that no relationship is perfect. Others felt it was inappropriate to air private arguments, especially when it came to something as sensitive as a spouse’s professional accomplishments.
On the same day that all of this unfolded—Hailey’s big Vogue moment, Justin’s awkward tribute—another significant milestone quietly arrived: Hailey’s skincare brand, Rhode, officially launched in Sephora stores across the U.S. It was a huge leap for the brand, and Justin, ever the doting husband, shared the news to his Instagram Story with a supportive note:
But he wasn’t the only one showing support. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Selena Gomez had liked Sephora’s post announcing Rhode’s arrival. That one like set social media ablaze. While it was just a tiny heart-shaped gesture, the message behind it spoke volumes. For years, tabloids and fandoms have pitted Selena and Hailey against each other, ever since Justin ended his long on-again, off-again relationship with Selena and married Hailey shortly after in 2018. From cryptic posts and suspicious likes to side-by-side photo comparisons and social media rabbit holes, people have hunted for tension, drama, and subtle jabs—most of which have been speculative at best.
So… Are We Done With the Drama?
Let’s hope so. The internet has long profited from pitting women against one another, especially when a high-profile man like Justin Bieber is involved. But this cycle of speculative drama feels increasingly outdated. At this point, both Selena and Hailey seem to be over it, and they’ve shown us as much through photos, interviews, and now, a simple Instagram like.
