Fans of Hailey and Justin Bieber think the Rhode founder might have sent an indirect message to record executive Scooter Braun after he praised Justin's new album following reports that they'd reached a $31.5 million settlement.
Bieber and Braun worked together for more than 15 years after the pop star started sharing music, but as they went their separate ways in 2023 Bieber was accused of owing Braun and his company, HYBE, millions of dollars.
The dispute alleged that Bieber agreed to pay HYBE back for the cost of his 2022 Justice World Tour, which ended up being canceled. However, People reported that Bieber only made one payment, and still had a debt of $26 million three years later.
Another $11 million was allegedly tacked on to Bieber's debt as a result of unpaid commissions.
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Neither Bieber nor Braun has shared an update on the dispute themselves at the time of writing (July 14), however, TMZ has reported that the two celebrities have reached a financial settlement in which Bieber agreed to pay Braun $26 million for the tour, plus $5.5 million for unpaid commissions.
Reports of the settlement came as Bieber dropped his latest album, Swag, and Braun appeared to suggest there was no bad blood between himself and Bieber as he praised the album in a lengthy statement.
In a post on his Instagram Story, Braun wrote in part: “Been having a beautiful start to the weekend and been getting a lot of texts about how I feel about Justin’s new album… so I will just leave this here.
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“This is, without a doubt, the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date. It’s beautiful, raw, and truly him. And that matters.”
After Braun shared his statement, fans couldn't help but notice that Hailey took to her Instagram Story to share a post of her own.
The post didn't mention Braun, but featured Hailey using a filter that zoomed in on her eyes as she gave an undeniable side-eye look, with Mariah Carey's song 'Obsessed' playing over the top.
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Fans were quick to jump to conclusions and expressed belief that the post was a response to Braun's praise of Bieber, with one fan commenting: “HAILEY SAID YOU’RE OBSESSED SCOOTER LMFAOOO.”
Another shared screenshots of both Instagram Stories, adding: “Hailey Bieber’s reaction to Scooter Braun’s paragraphs about Justin’s new album [laughing/crying face].”
Braun told his followers he'd had the 'privilege of witnessing' Bieber's growth over the last two decades, adding: “The way he chose to release [the album] is just as intentional as the music itself - and I’m happy to see him do it this way. I’ve played no [role] in this one, but as someone who’s always believed in him, I’m incredibly proud and impressed and genuinely enjoyed the music.”
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Bieber surprised fans with the release of Swag, which is his first album in four years.
UNILAD has reached out to representatives for Justin, Hailey and Braun for comment.
Topics: Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Instagram, Celebrity, Money
Emily Brown