
Hailey Bieber is once again tackling the persistent rumors of a rivalry with Selena Gomez. In an October 14, 2025 interview published by WSJ. Magazine's Innovators Issue, the Rhode Beauty founder expressed her frustration with how the media continues to pit her against Gomez. "It’s always annoying being pitted against other people. I didn’t ask for that," Hailey shared, pointing out that much of the speculation stems from external sources.
The timing of the interview was notable, happening just hours before Rhode's official launch at Sephora – a venue that also carries Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty line. Despite this potential for competitive narrative, Hailey made it clear that public perceptions are beyond her control: "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."
Both women have moved on from their early connections with Justin Bieber, with Selena Gomez marrying producer Benny Blanco on September 27, 2025, and Hailey tying the knot with Justin Bieber back in 2018. Despite these changes in their personal lives, media speculation about their romantic past has persisted, often fueled by fans' narratives. Hailey herself once supported "#Jelena" via Twitter in 2011 before eventually falling for Justin, a journey closely followed by fans and media alike.
The attempts to quash the feud rumors have been ongoing, notably through a viral 2022 photo of Hailey and Selena together at the Academy Museum Gala. Yet, fan-driven drama persists online, with camps forming and narratives evolving without pause. Hailey has described the endless comparisons and rumors as "vile" and "disgusting," noting the potential dangers they pose.
“It’s not just about us. These narratives can be harmful and have real-world impacts,” Hailey commented on the ongoing speculation.
Both Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber seem intent on moving past the drama, focusing instead on their respective careers and personal happiness. As their brands continue to grow and evolve side by side, perhaps the real story is one of mutual success rather than competition. The public, however, remains captivated, proving once again that in the world of celebrity, narratives can be as enduring as they are elusive.