After years of rumors, reposts, and social media drama, Selena Gomez sets the record straight — in the most Selena way possible.

Just when fans thought the rumored tension between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber had settled into pop culture’s rearview mirror, a new twist has reignited the public’s interest — and left many wondering whether peace is finally possible, or if this is just the next chapter in a storyline that refuses to end.

The latest development? A since-deleted Instagram post from Selena Gomez responding — subtly but unmistakably — to comments made by Hailey Bieber in a recent high-profile interview. And while the post was only live for a short time, it spoke volumes.

The Spark That Reignited the Fire

The conversation started anew when Hailey Bieber appeared in WSJ. Magazine’s Innovators Issue. In the cover story, the 28-year-old model and founder of Rhode Beauty was asked about ongoing comparisons between her brand and Selena’s Rare Beauty. A publicist quickly redirected the interview, but Hailey did share her feelings about being placed in constant comparison with others.

“It’s always annoying being pitted against other people,” she told the outlet. “I didn’t ask for that.”

Hailey didn’t mention Selena by name, but the timing — just hours before Rhode’s Sephora launch, where Rare Beauty is also sold — coupled with the long-standing rumors about the two stars, was enough to get fans talking.

Selena’s Response: Short, Sharp, and Now Gone

Selena, 33, who tied the knot with producer Benny Blanco earlier this year, posted what many interpreted as a direct response on her Instagram Stories on October 17. The post, which was deleted shortly after, featured a plain background and a short message:

“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 room for everyone.”
“And hopefully we can all stop.”

While Selena didn’t mention Hailey, the language — particularly the call for kindness and unity — struck a chord with longtime followers of both women. It wasn’t the first time Selena had stepped in to de-escalate fan-fueled narratives, and it probably won’t be the last.

A History of Headlines

The rumored feud between Gomez and Bieber has been a media fixture for nearly a decade — largely rooted in both women’s connection to Justin Bieber. Selena and Justin’s on-again, off-again relationship throughout the 2010s captivated fans. When Justin married Hailey in 2018, just months after his final breakup with Selena, speculation ramped up — and never really quieted.

Since then, fans have dissected everything from interviews and brand launches to red carpet appearances and Instagram captions. At times, both women have been accused of fueling the fire — and at other times, they’ve taken steps to end it.

In 2022, the two women posed for a photo together at the Academy Museum Gala, a moment that many hoped would signal the end of the perceived rivalry.

But rumors don’t die easily in Hollywood — especially when social media keeps them alive.

More Than a Feud: The Rise of Two Beauty Empires

At the heart of this narrative is more than personal history — it’s two business empires led by high-profile women.

Selena launched Rare Beauty in 2020 with a mission of celebrating authenticity and promoting mental health awareness. The brand quickly became a top seller at Sephora, praised for its inclusive shade range and positive messaging. Her Rare Impact Fund has raised millions for mental health services.

Hailey followed with Rhode in 2022, entering the skincare world with a minimalist approach and a strong influencer following. Known for its “glazed donut” aesthetic, Rhode has grown rapidly, especially among Gen Z consumers.

Inevitably, the proximity of their launches, overlapping retailers, and celebrity status have led to ongoing comparisons. But both women — publicly, at least — have maintained that there is room for everyone in the industry.

What Fans Are Really Reacting To

What made Selena’s post hit differently was its tone. It wasn’t defensive. It wasn’t aggressive. It was assertive, sure — but also mature, self-aware, and focused on compassion.

It also offered a rare glimpse into how she views the ongoing speculation about her and Hailey.

“It’s just about relevance not intelligence,” she wrote — a line many interpreted as a subtle jab not at Hailey, but at the culture of constant comparison, where being talked about is often mistaken for having real value.

Her sign-off — “Be kind. All brands inspire me. There is room for everyone.” — was the reminder some fans needed that competition doesn’t have to equal conflict.

Why This Story Keeps Coming Back

Part of what keeps this narrative alive is the way both women have grown up under a microscope. Selena Gomez has evolved from Disney star to music icon to beauty entrepreneur — and most recently, a vocal advocate for mental health and body positivity.

Hailey Bieber, for her part, has navigated her own journey — from fashion model and celebrity spouse to entrepreneur and new mom. She and Justin welcomed their first child, Jack Blues, in 2024, adding a new layer of public interest to their relationship.

Both women are successful. Both are highly visible. And both have become, fairly or not, symbols for larger cultural conversations about rivalry, womanhood, and online toxicity.

What’s Next?

For now, it appears that Selena has said her piece — and, once again, asked others to drop the narrative altogether.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that both women seem eager to move on.

In Hailey’s words from her WSJ. Magazine interview:

“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.”

It’s a statement that could just as easily apply to Selena — and perhaps, it already has.

Final Thoughts: Two Women, One Message

In an age where celebrity feuds can spark faster than a new product drop, it’s easy to forget that the people at the center of the storm are, in fact, people. Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber may have once been part of each other’s personal histories, but today, they’re carving out very different lives — each filled with career triumphs, public pressure, and personal growth.

Selena’s post may be gone from her feed, but the message lingers: enough is enough. Let the women live, lead, and love — on their terms.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s time for all of us to stop trying to pick sides in a story neither of them wants to tell anymore.