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According to multiple eagle-eyed fan accounts (because, of course, they noticed), Justin Bieber did a major Instagram purge. We're talking about unfollowing some big names, including Drake, The Weeknd, and, most notably, Benny Blanco. By the time you read this story, you probably already know Benny isn't just any celeb; he's Selena Gomez's fiancé, which makes this whole situation extra spicy.
There is no word from Justin about the unfollow spree, but it's hard not to side-eye the timing, especially given that his once-solid friendship with Benny seems to be, well, less than solid these days.
© Getty Images for dcpA long history of friendship and hits
Justin and Benny weren't just industry acquaintances; they were tight. Over the years, they teamed up on a bunch of Bieber's biggest tracks: "Eenie Meenie" and "Somebody to Love" (2010), "Love Yourself" (2015), "Cold Water" (2016), and "Lonely" (2020), where Blanco actually got artist credit, not just a behind-the-scenes nod.
Beyond the music, the two were constantly hyping each other up. In a Zach Sang interview, Blanco once said that Justin was different from "cookie-cutter pop artists" because he's always been open about his struggles. Fans at the time thought it was a subtle dig at Selena, which definitely didn't help the situation.
The couple, who announced their engagement in December 2024 after a year of dating, have also worked together before. He and Gomez previously teamed up on her 2019 song "I Can't Get Enough" and 2023's "Single Soon," Now, they're making it official in more ways than one.
What went wrong?
Things reportedly took a turn when Blanco and Selena started dating. An insider told In Touch Weekly that Justin felt "offended" when Benny seemingly cut him out of his life after getting together with Selena. "They used to be great friends, so it came as a huge shock," the source shared.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesApparently, Bieber tried to extend an olive branch to Benny and Selena, hoping to smooth things over. But, according to the same source, Justin feels like he's constantly on the receiving end of passive-aggressive social media shade from the pair. And what really bugs him? He thinks they never get called out for it. "He's sure that if he was pulling stunts and going online attention seeking, he'd get slammed for it, but somehow Selena and Benny seem to get away with it," the insider added.
Moving on for good?
Justin's patience finally ran out. The source wrapped things up by saying, "[Justin has] tried so many times to make peace with them and get past the BS, but they just won't let it go, and he's now saying good riddance."
So, where does that leave everyone now? Blanco is engaged to Selena Gomez, and Justin is married to Hailey Bieber. And let's not forget that The Weeknd is Selena's ex; however, it is unknown if Justin and him had any beef.
© XNY/Star MaxJustin Bieber's reaction to their Engagement
Justin Bieber allegedly shared a cryptic message targeting his ex-girlfriend after she shared the exciting news of her engagement on social media. Gomez revealed glimpses of the romantic proposal and received congratulatory messages, but it was Justin's Instagram activity that had fans raising eyebrows.
The "Peaches" singer posted a sweet selfie featuring Hailey Bieber kissing his cheek. What caught fans' attention, was the song he paired the post: Lizzy McAlpine's "All My Ghosts."
© Rachpoot/Bauer-GriffinThe emotional ballad reflects on lingering memories of an ex and features lyrics like "I can see it now, the wedding of the year" and "When all my ghosts disappear." Another poignant lyric, "Oh, all my ghosts are with me / I know you feel them too," fueled the theory that the song choice was deliberate.
