In a rare and unexpected Instagram story, Selena Gomez broke her silence on the ongoing online narrative surrounding her and Hailey Bieber’s comment on beauty brands.
With Hailey’s controversial comment on beauty brands and their owners, Selena seemed to respond to the Rhode beauty founder, even urging fans and the public to stop pitting the two women against each other.
It all started with Hailey’s recent interview for WSJ Magazine’s Innovator issue about Rhode’s $1 billion sale to e.l.f beauty. Amidst the interview, Hailey was asked a question about comparisons between other brands, especially now that she shares shelf space at Sephora alongside Selena's Rare Beauty line, which she declined to answer.
Rather, the Rhode beauty founder opened up about being compared to others. "It's always annoying being pitted against other people. I didn't ask for that," Hailey uttered. "I think there is space for everybody. I don't feel competitive with people that I'm not inspired by," she continued.
Although Hailey did not mention any names or brands in relation to the comparison, fans were quick to speculate that she was referring to Selena Gomez — the ex-girlfriend of her husband, Justin Bieber, and who she has had a long-standing, highly publicized feud with over the years.
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On October 17, the “Kill ‘Em with Kindness” singer posted an Instagram story that read: “Just leave the girl alone. She can say whatever she wants. Doesn’t affect my life whatsoever. It’s just about relevance not intelligence.”
She urged the fans and netizens to stop speculating about shady comments, stating: “Be kind. All brands inspire me. There is room for everyone. And hopefully we can all stop.”
READ: Hailey Bieber's skincare brand Rhode inks $1 billion deal with e.l.f. Beauty
Though the Instagram story was quickly deleted, screenshots went viral within minutes. Fans were divided as some praised Selena for setting boundaries and shutting down the drama, while others felt the post only stirred the pot further.
Even if Selena did not mention anyone by name, the message was widely interpreted as a response to Hailey’s interview. Hailey has yet to respond for herself. Fans hope that this marks the end of the long-time rivalry between them, especially now that they are both happily married to their respective husbands.
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It was on September 27 this year that Selena tied the knot with producer-songwriter, Benny Blanco.
By Alyana Cabuhat De Guzman