Their rivalry ebbs and flows, resurfacing in new forms over time. Initially, the tension centered on who truly had Justin Bieber’s heart playing out through several years of back-and-forth. This phase eventually gave way to disputes involving Hailey Bieber’s best friend, Kylie Jenner, who was accused of mocking Gomez.
Continuing, it moved to an ugly exchange over makeup: Is Bieber stealing or copying from Gomez or vice-versa?
Billionaires Still Bickering
Fast forward to this week. Gomez recently got married and is a billionaire. Hailey Bieber now has a baby boy and is a billionaire with her company. Yet the pettiness continues.
In a lengthy interview with The Wall Street Journal, out of all places, Hailey Bieber sat down to discuss her remarkable rise in the business world, the significant announcement that e.l.f. Beauty has acquired her Rhode brand, and her newfound status as a billionaire.
The reporter kept digging for the money quote by comparing Bieber’s success to Gomez’s Rare Beauty empire. The journalist won because Bieber gave “mean girl” vibes by throwing other makeup brands, including Gomez’s brand, under the bus.
When the journalist asked Hailey Bieber if she feels competitive that her Rhode products are available at Sephora — the same store that carries Gomez’s Rare Beauty products, Hailey replied with the following, “I think there is space for everybody.”
Incoming shade with Hailey further adding, “I don’t feel competitive with people that I’m not inspired by.”
Hailie Bieber was not done; she went on to say: “It’s always annoying being pitted against other people. I didn’t ask for that. 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.”
Hailie Bieber’s representative rushed to cool down temperatures by saying that she was not talking about Selena Gomez, but the damage has been done. Gomez was quick to answer.
Gomez Schools Bieber On Kindness
Gomez, who is supposed to be on her honeymoon, took some time to slam and school Bieber on how to be kind and respect other companies and business owners who fought hard and did not have a famous last name or husband to make it to the top.
Gomez’s response: “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.”
It will be interesting to see how Hailey will handle the follow-up.
