Hailey Bieber subtly hints at Selena Gomez rift in award speech

Hailey Bieber's Speech at the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards

Hailey Bieber, 28, recently attended the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards in New York City and was honored with the title of Beauty Innovator of the Year. During her acceptance speech, she emphasized her support for every founder in the beauty industry, especially following rumors of a potential rift between her and Selena Gomez, the founder of Rare Beauty.

Bieber, who is the creator of the popular skincare brand Rhode Skin, made these remarks while receiving her award. The event aims to recognize groundbreaking talents across various industries, including fashion, art, and cuisine. Past recipients have included notable figures such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, and actress Angelina Jolie.

In her speech, Bieber expressed her gratitude and humility, stating, "I'm incredibly humbled to be recognized as a beauty innovator, an honor that has only been given to one other person: The iconic Pat McGrath." She continued by highlighting the courage it takes to believe in one's ideas and launch a brand.

The Chief Creative Officer of Rhode then shared that she "applauded" and "celebrated" everyone in her industry, emphasizing that she supports every founder. "I applaud anyone and everyone who takes that leap of faith. I'm so grateful to be part of the beauty world, a world that has embraced me, and a world that I deeply cherish," she said.

Her message comes after some fans speculated that she might have subtly criticized Selena Gomez during an interview with WSJ Magazine. When asked about comparisons between Rhode Beauty and Rare Beauty, Bieber stated she doesn't feel competitive with people she isn't inspired by and found the constant comparisons annoying.

Sources close to Bieber later clarified that she was referring to other brands sold at Sephora, not Rare Beauty. They mentioned that she wasn’t responding to Gomez specifically. In response, Gomez wrote on Instagram, "She can say whatever she wants. Doesn't affect my life whatsoever. It's just about relevance not intelligence. Be kind. All brands inspire me."

Gomez added, "There is room for everyone. And hopefully we can all stop."

Bieber is married to Justin Bieber, and the couple has a son named Jack. Although they were previously in a relationship with Gomez from 2010 through 2018, both have repeatedly denied any feud.

At the Innovator Awards, Bieber made a bold fashion statement by wearing a strapless leather top paired with a matching pencil skirt, chosen by stylist Dani Michelle. She completed the look with dark pantyhose and white pointy-toed slingback pumps, defying the traditional rule against wearing white after Labor Day. Her outfit was further elevated by $13,200 Tiffany 'Victoria' pearl-and-diamond earrings and a 'Victoria' mixed cluster diamond bracelet.

The event also sparked curiosity about other topics, such as:

• What fashion choices made Justin Bieber stand out at Hailey's glamorous Rhode launch in West Hollywood?
• Why was Hailey Bieber's latest Rhode Skin launch party a lavish affair in Beverly Hills?
• Did Hailey Bieber throw a cutting jab at Selena Gomez over beauty brand rivalry?
• How did Hailey Bieber's Rhode transition from a 'nepo baby' brand to a billion-dollar beauty powerhouse?
• What did Hailey Bieber say to Justin after winning her prestigious beauty award?