Justin Bieber has come under fire online after sharing a meme that many fans believe was a thinly veiled jab at ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez and her fiancé, Benny Blanco.
The Canadian singer posted a meme on Instagram that mocked how women tend to share engagement news on social media. The timing raised eyebrows, as it came just days after Selena publicly flaunted her engagement ring from Benny Blanco.
Bieber and Gomez had a highly publicized, on-and-off relationship that lasted nearly eight years before ending in 2018. Within months, Bieber married Hailey Baldwin (now Hailey Bieber), and the couple recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy.
Selena Gomez went public with her relationship with music producer Benny Blanco in late 2023. The couple announced their engagement a year later and have since drawn attention for their creative partnership. Their upcoming album, I Said I Love You First, is rumored to include lyrics reflecting Gomez’s past with Bieber.
Justin’s meme quickly sparked reactions from fans who interpreted the post as intentional. “This is the first time I’ve seen a post of his and thought, ‘Oh, that could be about Selena,’” one Reddit user noted. Another added, “Usually, fans overthink things, but this feels intentional.”
Criticism continued to mount, with some questioning why Bieber would reference his ex at all. “Why is he shading Selena Gomez at his big age? He needs to log off,” one commenter wrote. Another speculated, “He’s not stupid—he knew this would stir drama.”
Despite the buzz, Selena and Benny appear unaffected, keeping their focus on their relationship and upcoming music. Still, online speculation remains intense, with fans dissecting every detail.
Bieber has not responded to the backlash, leaving many to debate whether the meme was an innocent joke or a calculated message. Either way, it has ignited widespread discussion across social media.