Justin Bieber has sent the internet into a speculative tailspin after eagle-eyed fans alleged the singer liked a nostalgic photo of himself kissing his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez. The incident, which occurred on 19th January 2026, involved a picture from 2016, resurfacing amid a popular social media trend of sharing throwback posts from that year.
The Alleged Social Media Slip-Up
According to vigilant followers, the father-of-one, who married Hailey Bieber in 2018, did not just like the old image but also interacted with a comment beneath it. The comment in question, written in Spanish, read 'Vivan los novios', translating to 'Long live the bride and groom!'. The user who posted it claims Justin clicked the heart button on their remark.
However, the like was not permanent. Fans reported that Justin Bieber undid the action just hours later, leading to widespread debate over whether the interaction was a deliberate, if fleeting, moment of nostalgia or a simple misclick while browsing. One fan quipped online: “Meanwhile justin out here liking pics of him and his first love.”
A History of High-Profile Relationships and Rivalries
The incident taps into the long and complex history between the three celebrities. Justin and Selena Gomez had a famously on-again, off-again relationship spanning from 2010 to 2018. While Justin moved on and married Hailey Bieber, with whom he now shares a son, Selena married music producer Benny Blanco in a lavish Santa Barbara ceremony in 2025.
The dynamic between Selena and Hailey has been fraught with public tension. In October 2025, Selena appeared to lash out at Hailey on social media after the Rhode Beauty founder seemed to make a veiled comment about her in an interview. Hailey had stated she “doesn’t feel competitive with people she’s not inspired by,” which many interpreted as a jab at Selena's Rare Beauty brand.
Although the two women posed together in 2022 in an attempt to quash rumours of a feud, speculation continued, especially after it was noted they had unfollowed each other on Instagram by June 2025.
Fan Speculation and Marital Scrutiny
This minor social media activity has fuelled significant speculation about the state of Justin's marriage to Hailey. The couple has faced persistent split rumours since tying the knot, and Justin's recent studio album included lyrics that some fans interpreted as references to marital struggles. His recent social outings with friends have also prompted concern among his fanbase.
Despite the gossip, Hailey Bieber has previously given defiant updates, expressing contentment in her future with Justin. Meanwhile, Selena Gomez appears focused on her new life with Benny Blanco, regularly sharing images from their wedding day, which was attended by famous friends including Taylor Swift and Paul Rudd.
For now, the alleged 'like' remains an enigmatic blip in the ongoing digital narrative surrounding these global stars, proving that even the smallest online action can trigger a wave of analysis and intrigue in the world of celebrity.
