Individuals online have once again begun discussing Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber after the latter denounced rumors suggesting that Bieber had made negative comments about her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. The controversy stemmed from Bieber's recent interview with WSJ Magazine, published on October 14, 2025.In the interview, she said her remarks about competition in the beauty industry had been widely interpreted as a subtle reference to Gomez. Bieber was asked whether she believed her skincare brand, Rhode, could be compared to Gomez’s line at Sephora once it launches in stores. Her publicist reportedly advised her not to respond, but the businesswoman chose to answer, saying:“It’s always annoying being pitted against other people. I didn’t ask for that.”She went on to state that she was tired of the narratives about her public image.“When people want to see you a certain way and they’ve made up a story about you in their minds, it’s not up to you to change that,” the model said.As the discussion went further, she was asked whether she felt competitive with other brands in the beauty retailer. In response, Hailey said that there was "space for everybody" and that she didn’t "feel competitive with people" who didn’t inspire her.Regardless of these clarifications, the story quickly went viral, and several interpreted it as an intentional dig at Selena Gomez. Hours later, the Good For You singer wrote a now-deleted Instagram Story that users believed addressed the situation. The Story included a simple black backdrop with a brief inspirational quote that stated:“Just leave the girl alone. She can say whatever she wants. Doesn’t affect my life whatsoever. It’s just about relevance not intelligence. Be kind. All brands inspire me. There is a room for everyone. And hopefully we can all stop.”Buzzing Pop @BuzzingPopLINKSelena Gomez puts an end to the ongoing narrative between her and Hailey Bieber: “Just leave the girl alone. She can say whatever she wants. Doesn't affect my my life whatsoever. It's just about relevance not intelligence. Be kind. All brands inspire me. There is room forThe post, which remained online for only a brief period, caused another burst of controversy between the fan groups of the two stars. Defenders of Hailey claimed that Gomez was timing her post deliberately to stoke public backlash and renew negative coverage against Hailey.“No the victim card again LMFAO not a coincidence she’s doing all of this after the Francia thing went viral again, she wants that new Hailey hate train once again”۟ @exchtasyLINK@BuzzingPop no the victim card again LMFAO not a coincidence she's doing all of this after the francia thing went viral again, she wants that new Hailey hate train once again 😭Many netizens shared their opinions criticizing Gomez.🌼🍂🌼 @SummertimeX5LINK@BuzzingPop This woman is newly married, but Hailey still lives rent free in her headXenon @xenonpogsLINK@BuzzingPop how many times do we have to do thisjust ass @luckatthatLINK@BuzzingPop She’s mastered the art of subtle shade the “professional victim” aesthetic. The girl doesn’t have to name names; her followers do it for her. It’s giving “I’m not saying she’s the villain, but here’s a paragraph that makes you think she is.”Meanwhile, Selena’s supporters viewed her Story as innocent and motivational, arguing that the quote had been misrepresented by critics seeking to create controversy.vespera @vesperamystLINK@BuzzingPop i still don't understand why hailey keeps hating on selena over a man she has a child with😭😭😭 likeee he's all yours why are you so insecurePop Culture Police @Russell370511LINK@BuzzingPop I am pretty sure Selena's tone said it all she really doesn't gaf and Hailey fans claims she does "just leave the GIRL alone..." gagged "it's just about relevance not intelligence..." lmfao🔥🔥CLOCK!!Elara ✨🌙 @HelloElaraLINK@BuzzingPop Selena just dropped the classiest mic — calm, direct, and done. 💅✨Even though both women have come out to deny any personal feud, the online speculation regarding the relationship Selena Gomez shared with Justin Bieber in the past makes every interaction subject to scrutiny.Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber's public interactionsSelena Gomez and Hailey Bieber have allegedly had an intricate relationship. Their most notable appearance was at the 2022 Academy Museum Gala, where they posed for photos together, seemingly putting an end to rumors of any animosity between them.Previously, both had been subject to speculation about their relationship. Hailey said in an interview in 2022 on the Call Her Daddy podcast, "It's all respect. It's all love," emphasizing that there was no personal drama between her and Selena.In March 2023, Selena Gomez came to the defense of Hailey against internet hate, writing on Instagram that Hailey had contacted her to say she had been receiving death threats and hatefulness."Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity. This isn't what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying," the singer wrote.Hailey replied by appreciating Selena Gomez speaking up and admitted that they had recently discussed leaving the current narrative between them behind. In June 2025, however, both women unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking renewed curiosity about their relationship.In other news, Selena Gomez tied the knot with Benny Blanco in an intimate ceremony on September 27, 2025.