Justin Bieber celebrated his 29th birthday in style over the weekend — but was it also the perfect opportunity to throw some shade his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez’s way?! Plenty of fans seem to think so!
As Perezcious readers know, Justin found himself in a predicament over the past few weeks as his wife Hailey Bieber was slammed for being a mean girl. After the model and Kylie Jenner seemingly shaded the Only Murders in the Building star on socials, internet sleuths dug up a ton of other evidence that seemed to prove Hailey had long been attacking her man’s most famous ex.
During all the drama, the Biebz stayed incredibly silent, not even taking to social media to defend his wife from the haters! But it seems he *may* have just commented on the controversy for the first time!
Related: Justin Didn’t Cancel Tour Over Selena Drama — He Was ‘Forced To’??
On Friday, the Holy singer threw a big birthday bash to ring in his new year, which included performances by Leon Bridges, Harv, and Jules The Wulf. Jaden Smith, Billie Eilish, Don Toliver, and The Kid Laroi were among the star-studded attendees. Take a look:
Looks super fun!
Too bad the birthday bash quickly became the center of speculation online! After JB’s longtime photographer pal Alfredo Flores posted a pic of a party favor guests received at the event, fans instantly questioned whether or not the pop star was throwing some shade his ex’s way! The gift was a silver lighter cover featuring the words:
“I’m so thankful that I didn’t end up with what I thought I wanted”
— Alfredo Flores (@AlfredoFlores) March 5, 2023
Ooo… It’s cryptic, but it sure is telling! Many Selena stans were quick to take to Twitter to address the message — and they viewed it as a clear reference to all the online chatter, musing:
“This gift says ‘still living in the past’ to me”
“So he’s saying he didn’t want her [Hailey]?”
“and everyone was looking for his response and he just gave you one in the form of a gift”
“This is so petty, I mean if that’s the way you and your wife feel keep that petty sht to yourself lol and please, you don’t have to mention somebody’s name or say ‘who’ to understand exactly what they talkin abt”
“admitting that your wife was your second choice on your birthday is crazy lmao selena truly lives in his mind rent free”
Damn! If that’s what is really happening, that is pretty brutal! But for what it’s worth, the model did make sure to fly back from her girls’ trip to Cabo to arrive home in time for the party, so things seem to be okay between the husband and wife amid the controversy.
Related: Selena Brings Her Wizards Of Waverly Place Dad To Tears In Podcast Moment
That said, not everyone was so sure Justin was trying to make a statement about the ordeal, arguing:
“can’t believe people are interpreting this negatively. justin is saying he’s grateful for the life he has as is.”
“right he’s literally referring to being out of the spotlight”
“He said ‘what’ not ‘who’ yall go around associating them everywhere, the problem is you”
According to one eagle-eyed fan, the souvenir wasn’t even custom-made! It’s actually sold by Twojeys for $424, though it’s now sold out. So while Justin might relate to the message, it’s not like he specifically asked someone to craft the design to subtly react to the Rhode Skin founder’s feud with the Who Says singer. Unlike the hoodies everyone was given that read “Bieber 29” on the back!
What do YOU think about Justin’s cryptic party favor?? Sound OFF (below)!
[Image via Dan And Shay/Apple TV/YouTube]