A photo of Selena Gomez has gone viral following news that her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber and his wife Hailey are expecting their first child.
Former teen idols Gomez and Bieber began dating in 2010, with their on-again-off-again relationship reportedly lasting until 2018. Although both stars appear to have moved on, the internet never forgets, with Gomez accidentally becoming the "main character" in the Biebers' baby news.
On Thursday, Justin Bieber shared a reel of photos showcasing Hailey's growing bump to Instagram.
Following the pregnancy announcement, fans of Gomez began posting jokes and memes in support of the Only Murders in the Building actress. One photo to go viral on X, formerly Twitter, shows Gomez sipping a cocktail while relaxing on a bar sofa, looking the definition of chill.
"Congrats Selena Gomez for being the main character in Justin and Hailey's marriage and pregnancy announcement," wrote user @selovalenaa alongside the snap, with the post receiving over 64,000 views at the time of publishing.
"People thinking that Selena Gomez is affected by Hailey Bieber's pregnancy is the most pathetic thing," said Z.
"Ppl are messy she [don't give a f***]," agreed @Captivating_BB.
"She's the only person the industry can't live without," commented Parvati, while Lisa wrote: "She will always be the main character, love that for her."
Newsweek has reached out to Selena Gomez for comment via email.
Did Hailey Baldwin 'Steal' Justin Bieber from Selena Gomez?
Justin and Hailey Bieber were first introduced backstage at the Today show in 2009. At the time, Bieber was a 15-year-old budding pop star, while Hailey—then Hailey Baldwin—was just 12 years old. They reconnected in 2014, dating on-and-off for four years before getting married in 2018.
Gomez and Bieber appeared to rekindle their romance in early 2018, with the actress posting a birthday tribute to the singer in March. However, they reportedly decided to "take a break," with Bieber getting back together with Baldwin that June. They tied the knot a few months later.
Hailey Bieber has previously battled rumors that she stole the Grammy winner from Gomez.
The model refuted the claims during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, telling host Alexandra Cooper: "I can say, period, point blank, I was never with him when he was in a relationship with anybody—that's the end of it."
Bieber discussed the possibility of children during an interview with WSJ Magazine in 2022, but said she "wasn't ready" at the time. However, in 2023, the 27-year-old told The Sunday Times that she wanted kids with Justin "so bad."
"But I get scared," she explained. "It's enough that people say things about my husband or my friends. I can't imagine having to confront people saying things about a child.
"We can only do the best we can to raise them. As long as they feel loved and safe."
Gomez is in a relationship with music producer Benny Blanco, who worked with the singer on her 2015 album Revival, and her 2017 single, "Trust Nobody" with Cashmere Cat. The couple went public with their romance in December, after reportedly dating for months in secret.
Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez Feud Rumors Explained
Gomez and Hailey Bieber reportedly fell out in January 2023, after the socialite shared a TikTok video with some friends. The group was lip-syncing to the sound: "And I'm not saying she deserved it, but God's timing is always right."
Many fans assumed the clip was targeting Gomez, who was experiencing vicious body-shaming comments online at the time.
Bieber denied the bullying accusations, commenting: "I never comment on this type of thing, but we were just having a girls' night and did a random TikTok sound for fun. It's not directed at anyone."
However, the rumored feud seemed to escalate the following month, when Gomez posted a TikTok video mocking her own "over-laminated" eyebrows.
Shortly after Gomez's TikTok went live, Hailey Bieber posted a screenshot of a FaceTime call with pal Kylie Jenner. In the image, both Bieber and the reality star, showcasing their groomed arches.
However, Jenner quickly shot down any connection to Gomez's post.
"This is reaching," the 26-year-old said in response to the speculation. "No shade towards Selena ever and I didn't see her eyebrow posts! U guys are making something out of nothing. This is silly."
Gomez echoed Jenner's post, writing: "Agreed @kyliejenner It's all unnecessary. I'm a fan of Kylie."
In March 2003, Gomez asked fans to stop trolling Bieber.
"Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity," she wrote on Instagram.
"This isn't what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying. I've always advocated for kindness and really want this to all stop."
Bieber also spoke out about their rumored feud, telling her Instagram followers: "Things can always be taken out of context or construed differently than they were intended. We all need to be more thoughtful about what we post and what we say, including myself.
"In the end, I believe love will always be bigger than hate and negativity, and there is always an opportunity to meet each other with more empathy and compassion."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Sophie is a Newsweek Pop Culture and Entertainment Reporter based in Lincoln, UK. Her focus is reporting on film and ... Read more
