He Got Dragged But Not for the Reason You Think

On September 28, 2025, Selena Gomez celebrated her wedding, a day filled with elegance and joy. Yet, instead of allowing the focus to remain on her happiness, the internet turned its attention to her ex, Justin Bieber, and his wife, Hailey Bieber. Social media platforms exploded with comments under both Biebers’ Instagram accounts, dragging them back into a love triangle that dates to 2010. While Justin posted a casual basketball photo, his comments were overrun with references to Gomez’s wedding. Hailey, despite not posting for more than 10 days, was also targeted by comparisons and speculation.

The drama reignited memories of Gomez and Bieber’s on-and-off romance from 2010 to 2018, and the controversy that surrounded Justin’s marriage to Hailey later in 2018. Even though all three stars have repeatedly asked fans to move on, every major milestone—like Gomez’s wedding—sparks renewed online wars. The incident highlights the toxic side of fandom culture, where personal milestones are hijacked to reopen old wounds. For Gomez, the wedding symbolized a new beginning. For the Biebers, it became yet another reminder that the past remains inescapable in the digital age.

The Flood of Social Media Reactions

In an effort to stay disconnected from the frenzy, Justin Bieber chose to share a simple post of himself playing basketball. To him, it was likely just a moment of relaxation—a reminder that life goes on as normal. However, the internet had other plans. His Instagram comment section was instantly overrun with messages directly referencing Selena Gomez’s wedding. Fans wrote phrases such as “The love of your life is married now” and “Can’t wait to see her wedding photos.”

Meanwhile, Hailey Bieber fared no better. Her latest Instagram post, though over 10 days old, suddenly saw a new wave of comments that had little to do with her content. Instead, they centered on Gomez, questioning her marriage to Justin, and rehashing the drama of the past decade. The online invasion underscored a painful truth: no matter how far Justin and Hailey try to move forward, the shadow of Selena Gomez looms large in the public’s imagination.

A Decade of Public Fascination

To understand why this moment struck such a chord, one must revisit the long history of the Selena–Justin–Hailey triangle. Beginning in 2010, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber embarked on an on-again, off-again romance that spanned most of their teenage and young adult years. Their relationship was heavily documented by the media and adored by millions of fans who nicknamed the couple “Jelena.”

However, constant breakups and reconciliations defined their love story until their final split in 2018. That same year, Justin Bieber shocked the world by marrying Hailey Baldwin (now Bieber). The speed of the marriage fueled endless speculation. Many fans accused Justin of not giving Selena closure, while others unfairly targeted Hailey as the “reason” for the split.

For Selena Gomez, the years after were marked by growth and resilience. She focused on her career, releasing music that reflected her personal journey, and later found stability in her private life. But for the Biebers, their marriage never truly escaped the comparisons. Every appearance, every interview, and every Instagram post became an opportunity for fans to drag Selena Gomez back into the conversation.

Why Gomez’s Wedding Reignited the Fire

The marriage of Selena Gomez in 2025 was always destined to be a media sensation. After years of personal struggles and public scrutiny, Gomez finding love and committing to marriage symbolized a new chapter. But for online spectators, her wedding day doubled as a chance to “measure” the happiness of her past relationship against her present joy.

Unfortunately, instead of focusing solely on Gomez’s happiness, some internet users directed their energy toward Justin and Hailey. The insinuations were harsh—comments suggested Justin still loved Selena, or that Hailey would always live in her shadow. This toxic cycle reinforced how little control celebrities actually have over their own narratives in the digital age.

The Burden of Public Narrative

What makes this situation so striking is not simply the resurfacing of old drama, but how the internet continually weaponizes personal milestones. Both Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber have repeatedly expressed frustration with being compared to Gomez. Hailey, in particular, has spoken about the toll the hate campaigns have taken on her mental health, admitting that the scrutiny sometimes feels unbearable.

Justin Bieber, too, has often reminded fans that his relationship with Gomez is firmly in the past. He has openly expressed love and commitment to Hailey, making it clear that their marriage is his priority. Still, every time Selena Gomez makes a major life move—be it a new song, a new film, or, in this case, a wedding—the cycle begins again.

The Role of Fandom and Internet Culture

At its core, the drama reflects the darker side of fandom. While fans may believe they are “defending” their idols, their actions often cause more harm than good. Comment sections filled with taunts and comparisons are not innocent entertainment—they are reminders of trauma for the celebrities involved.

The Selena–Justin–Hailey triangle has essentially become a “never-ending soap opera” on the internet. Unlike scripted dramas, however, the real people involved cannot simply walk away from their roles. Instead, they are forced to live under constant observation, with strangers feeling entitled to reopen wounds whenever it suits their narrative.

Moving Forward: Can the Cycle Be Broken?

The big question is whether this cycle will ever end. Will fans eventually allow all three stars to live independent lives without being tethered to one another? While it seems unlikely in the near term, moments like Selena Gomez’s wedding could also serve as turning points. If the narrative shifts toward celebrating growth rather than rehashing old heartbreak, perhaps future milestones will be met with kindness instead of cruelty.

For now, though, the incident reveals the complex reality of celebrity culture in 2025: even in the happiest of times, the internet can drag others into the spotlight unwillingly. For Selena Gomez, her wedding was a fresh start. For Justin and Hailey Bieber, it was yet another chapter in a saga they never asked to relive.

When Love Stories Become Public Property

The story of Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, and Hailey Bieber is more than just celebrity gossip—it is a case study in how modern fame collides with digital culture. The ability of millions of fans to instantly inject themselves into private milestones shows just how blurred the line between personal and public has become.

On September 28, 2025, Gomez’s wedding was supposed to symbolize love, closure, and new beginnings. And while it achieved that for her, it also revealed the enduring scars left on two other lives. Until fans learn to let go of the past, the cycle of comparisons and drama may never truly end.