Hailey Bieber sent a subtle message to fans amid the speculation about her marriage after her pop star husband Justin Bieber unfollowed her on Instagram.
Posting a mirror selfie on her Instagram Stories on January 23, Hailey showed off her $1.5 million upgraded engagement ring and a tote bag embroidered with the words "Mrs. Bieber".
The two words on the bag has been taken by fans as the 28-year-old’s way to shut down detractors of her marriage.
A day earlier, the model had shared a carousel of photos from the couple’s recent trip to Aspen, including a candid shot of Bieber sleeping.
The drama began on January 21 when fans spotted that the Yummy singer’s account no longer followed his wife’s, leading to a wave of rumours about their relationship.
Hours later, he addressed the situation on his Instagram Stories, claiming: “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. S*** is getting suss out here.”
He also went on to share photos of Hailey with him in Aspen, seemingly in a bid to further quash doubts about their relationship.
The couple has been vocal in the past about dealing with public scrutiny.
Speaking to W Magazine in July 2024, Hailey said: “People have made me feel so bad about my relationship since day one. It’s like people don’t want to believe that we’re happy.
“I used to try to act like it hurts less and less... But I realise that it doesn’t actually ever hurt any less.” This isn't the first time the Biebers have faced breakup rumours.
In August 2016, following a brief fling, Justin unfollowed Hailey on Instagram amid his new relationship with Lionale Richie’s daughter Sofia Richie, leading to speculation about their relationship status.
They reconciled in June 2018 and married later that year. Despite their commitment, the couple has been subject to ongoing divorce rumours, which they have consistently addressed and refuted.
Hailey has also faced backlash from Justin’s fanbase, particularly those who remain devoted to his previous relationship with Selena Gomez.
In a 2022 interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Hailey revealed how difficult it was to navigate public comparisons and harassment.
“A lot of the hate comes from the idea that he should be with someone else,” she said, adding that she and Gomez had spoken privately and there was no animosity between them.
Gomez, who dated Justin on and off for years before his relationship with Hailey, addressed the backlash in a TikTok Live session, urging her fans to stop targeting Hailey.
“I am all about kind words. If you support me, then you know I could never stand for bullying,” she said. Despite Selena’s comments, Hailey has continued to face online vitriol, often related to her husband’s past.
