The Thanksgiving getaway to Palm Springs for Justin and Hailey Bieber was meant to be a family celebration, but the couple instead found themselves at the centre of renewed marital speculation after being photographed looking tense during a casual outing.
A Public Display of Strain
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber wore strained expressions when they emerged for a stroll together during their holiday in Palm Springs. This public appearance comes just days after Justin made a glaring omission that kicked up another cloud of rumours about the state of their marriage.
The model celebrated her 29th birthday last Saturday and re-posted a slew of warm tributes from celebrity friends like Kylie Jenner and Lori Harvey. Conspicuously absent was any public acknowledgement from her husband of six years, who neglected to mark the occasion on his social media platforms.
The Birthday Controversy and Aftermath
While Justin appeared to skip Hailey's candlelit Rhode pre-birthday dinner in Palm Springs and made no public birthday post, he did share an Instagram slideshow on Sunday about her 'best week'. This included a short video of the couple on a hand-holding stroll.
Hailey, the DKNY global brand ambassador, also shared glimpses of their family life during her birthday celebrations. She posted a snap of their one-year-old son, Jack Blues, rolling along on a tricycle while sporting a bunny-eared beanie. That same day, the daughter of Stephen Baldwin shared a TikTok featuring a cameo from the 15-month-old toddler using a make-up brush on her as she got ready for her birthday festivities.
It remains unclear how she celebrated, but she shared glimpses of a white floral centrepiece and stacks of custom cards created for the special occasion.
History of Marital Speculation
The couple, who tied the knot in 2018, were trailed by rumours of marital strife in the first half of this year. Justin finally broke his silence on the speculation with his album 'Swag' in July, laying bare their relationship struggles in emotional lyrics about 'testing patience' and 'taking a break' – while also categorically declaring he 'will not' leave her.
They have maintained a public show of unity ever since, but last weekend's birthday omission has fuelled fresh speculation. The married couple of six years originally met backstage at the TODAY Show in 2009, began dating in 2015, and rekindled their on/off romance in 2018 three months after his split with Selena Gomez.
Meanwhile, both continue to achieve professional success. Last May, Hailey sold her skincare/cosmetics company for $1B to e.l.f Cosmetics, but remains with the company as chief creative officer and head of innovation. Rolling Stone reported in September that Justin negotiated a record-breaking $10M paycheck directly with Goldenvoice to headline the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, CA next April.
The Biebers are next gearing up to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday with little Jack, perhaps hoping for some family time away from the relentless public scrutiny.
