Selena Gomez is speaking out with a very important message for her 403 million Instagram followers. The 30-year-old actor took to the app Friday morning to encourage social media users to stop sending model Hailey Bieber death threats and “hateful negativity.”
Gomez’s message comes after social media users speculated “bullying” from Bieber and Kylie Jenner, toward Gomez last month.
“Hailey Bieber reached out to me and let me know that she has been receiving death threats and such hateful negativity,” Gomez stated.
“This isn’t what I stand for. No one should have to experience hate or bullying,” she continued. “I’ve always advocated for kindness and really want this all to stop. ❤️.”
Social media users have long pitted actor Selena Gomez and model Hailey Bieber against one another. As many would recall, Gomez previously dated singer Justin Bieber, and the two were first romantically linked in 2011, as per US Magazine. During their off-and-on relationship, Bieber was frequently spotted with Hailey.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez completed ended their relationship in 2017, as per US Magazine. Then, Bieber went on to marry Hailey in 2018.
In January, Selena Gomez came under criticism for bikini photos that she posted. Fans speculated that Bieber attempted to “shade” Gomez, and further perpetuate the body-shaming, in a TikTok video, which she has since deleted.
When the deleted TikTok appeared to reach Gomez’s attention in February, she was quick to dispel any issue between herself and Bieber, as reported by PEOPLE.
“It’s ok! I don’t let these things get me down! Be nice to everyone! x,”
In February, Gomez took to social media to share a TikTok video, appreciating the beauty of model Bella Hadid. In the video, which appears to now be deleted, Gomez sported a face filter that spiked her brows and plumped her lips. She captioned the post.
“I wish I was as pretty as Bella Hadid.”
Then in a follow-video, Gomez took the filter off and spoke.
“Instead, this is me. I accidentally laminated my brows too much…my name is Selena Gomez. See! It doesn’t even sound sexy.”
After Gomez shared the video, Kylie Jenner took to her Instagram Story and posted a photo of herself. The post was captioned, “this was an accident ?????”
Then, Hailey Bieber seemed to share a photo of her eyebrows as well.
Fans immediately began to speculate that both Jenner and Bieber were “throwing shade” at Selena Gomez.
However, Kylie Jenner was quick to dismiss the speculation.
“this is reaching. no shade towards selena ever and i didn’t see her eyebrow posts! u guys are making something out of nothing. this is silly.”
Gomez also agreed with Jenner, leaving a comment of her own.
“Agreed @kyliejenner It’s all unnecessary. I’m a fan of Kylie!”
A few days later, another TikTok went viral which showed Hailey Bieber co-hosting the television series ‘Drop The Mic’ alongside Method Man. In the clip, Method Man references “Taylor Swift’s last album.”
Then, Bieber proceeds to make a gag motion, sticking her tongue out and rolling her eyes in disdain.
Gomez apparently caught a view of the viral TikTok and left a comment defending Swift.
“So sorry, my best friend is and continues to be one of the best in the game.”
Shortly after the incident, Gomez announced via TikTok live that she would be taking a break from social media.
“I’m going to be taking a second from social media, because this is a little silly. I’m 30 and am too old for this. But I love you so much and I’ll see you guys sooner than later. I’m just gonna take a break from everything.”
According to PEOPLE, representatives for Hailey Bieber have not responded to their request for comment. However, fan pages for Selena Gomez appear to disagree with the 30-year-old’s stance, adding that she has been “too nice” to someone who, they believe, frequently exhibits “bully behavior.”
