“Didn't Hailey just sell her company to pay off his debt?” — Netizens react as Justin Bieber shares cryptic post about “transactional relationships”

Justin Bieber sparked online reactions with a series of cryptic posts shared on his Instagram over the weekend of June 7 and 8. The pop star expressed feelings of exhaustion regarding certain dynamics in his life, particularly focusing on the concept of transactional relationships. @PopCrave shared the development on X, prompting fans to share their reactions.

Bieber's posts fueled online speculation, particularly about his marriage to Hailey Bieber. This intensified following the recent news that e.l.f. Beauty acquired Hailey’s skincare company, Rhode, in a $1 billion deal. Netizens quickly connected the business development to Justin's posts, with some questioning online:

"Didn't Hailey just sell her company to pay off his debt?" asked a user.

"Even as a Selena supporter I have to say I feel so bad for Hailey," wrote a user.

"I feel bad for Hailey," said a user.

"Hailey sold her company, probably, to help out, and this is what you say?" asked another.

"Save yourself, Hailey," said another.

Others responded to his cryptic messages with speculations about a possible divorce.

"His divorce era music would go so crazy," stated a user.

"This breakup album about to be fire" said another user.

"That next album is going to be fire," wrote another.

"Just get a divorce bro" said one user.

"Yeah the divorce is really soon..." predicted another.

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Fame, faith, and feeling used: Justin Bieber speaks out

Justin's raw reflections on love and labor (Image via Instagram/@justinbieber)

On Sunday, June 8, Justin Bieber posted a pair of black-and-white selfies alongside a caption stating, "tired of transactional relationships." He elaborated, writing:

"If I have to do something to be loved, that’s not love."

This message followed other reflective posts shared the previous day, Saturday, June 7. Through his Instagram Stories, Bieber delved deeper into his feelings about pressure and expectations. He posted a selfie with his hand over his head, captioning it:

"This is how I feel after people keep telling me there's more work to do after I've given everything I have to give."

He challenged the idea of constant striving, adding that he "listened to those fools" asking him to work harder. He noted that there is no end to "trying to earn your spot" in life.

Bieber continued sharing his thoughts in subsequent Story posts, shifting focus toward faith and perspective. He wrote that while everyone wants to make their life about work, "this life is about God." He concluded the thread with a message about finding answers through faith.

Amidst these reflective posts, Justin Bieber also shared a sweet moment—posting a photo of himself on a video call with his wife, Hailey Bieber—captioned “that’s a man who LOVES his wife.”

Justin Bieber's posts about feeling pressured and weary of transactional dynamics weren't isolated to that weekend. Several days earlier, on June 3, he had posted about the concept of loyalty, calling it "manipulative language" and stating,

"Loyalty is duty, it’s an obligation. THATS NOT FREE WILL. Love is NOT a duty. LOVE IS A DELIGHT."

It's important to note that neither Justin nor Hailey Bieber has publicly commented on the speculation or the state of their relationship. However, Hailey has been observed liking some of Justin's recent Instagram posts. Justin Bieber has not clarified the specific context or individuals referenced in his posts about transactional relationships, work pressure, or loyalty.