Still Holding a Grudge Against Selena Gomez’s Best Friend, Justin Bieber Stirs Up Drama with Taylor Swift

Justin Bieber is back in the headlines, and this time, he’s bringing Taylor Swift into the mix. The 31-year-old popstar, who recently resurfaced amid concerns over his health, has reignited old tensions with the “Anti-Hero” singer in a cryptic social media post. Bieber, known for his history of high-profile feuds, seemingly took a subtle dig at Swift by sharing an image of the blood moon lunar eclipse—set to the backdrop of Swift’s 2015 revenge anthem, Bad Blood.

This move has not gone unnoticed by fans, who quickly dissected its potential meaning. Given the pair’s long-standing animosity, it’s hard to believe this was just a coincidence. Swift, now 35, has had a rocky history with Bieber that dates back years, largely due to his past relationship with her best friend, Selena Gomez. However, things took a turn for the worse in 2019 when Swift accused Bieber and his then-manager, Scooter Braun, of bullying her after Braun acquired Big Machine Records, effectively taking control

Swift and Bieber’s conflict has been simmering beneath the surface for years, but Bieber’s recent post suggests that there may still be unresolved tension. The Bad Blood reference is particularly striking, as the song is famously known as Swift’s response to betrayal. Originally believed to be about her falling-out with fellow popstar Katy Perry, the track took on new significance when the battle over her masters began, with Bieber and Braun caught in the cross

At the time, Swift made it clear that she felt bullied by Braun and his team, claiming she had no chance to buy back her own work before it was sold to someone she had longstanding issues with. Bieber, who was under Braun’s management, quickly came to his defense, posting an old photo of himself and Swift with the caption, “Taylor Swift, what up?”—a move that was widely perceived as taunting her. The drama spiraled further when Swift’s fans called out Bieber for his role in the situation, leading to years of tension between the two camps.

Adding another layer to this feud is Selena Gomez, Bieber’s famous ex-girlfriend and Swift’s closest confidante. Swift and Gomez’s friendship has remained unshaken through the years, and Swift has publicly supported Gomez through her ups and downs with Bieber. Their relationship has always been a sore spot, with Swift once going viral for sticking out her tongue in disapproval when Bieber and Gomez were spotted together at an awards show.

With Gomez and Swift’s friendship being stronger than ever, Bieber’s post could be seen as a deliberate attempt to stir up old drama. While Swift has largely moved past the public feuding and focused on her record-breaking career, Bieber’s subtle reference to Bad Blood suggests he might still be holding onto resentment.

The timing of Bieber’s post is particularly interesting. After months of staying relatively quiet, he recently addressed concerns about his health, which had fans worried due to his struggle with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Some speculate that his cryptic post is an attempt to distract from his personal struggles or to stay relevant amid Swift’s ongoing Eras Tour dominance.

Swift, who has been making headlines worldwide for her record-breaking tour and high-profile romance with NFL star Travis Kelce, has not responded to Bieber’s apparent jab. Given her history, she’s unlikely to engage in another public feud, but fans are already speculating whether she’ll subtly address it in her own way—perhaps through her music.

Unlike in the past, Swift now holds more power in the industry than ever before. She has successfully re-recorded her albums, reclaiming ownership of her music, and continues to shatter records with every release. Her influence extends far beyond music, with cultural and economic impacts that make her one of the most dominant figures in entertainment today.

For Bieber, who has seen a decline in his music career in recent years, stirring up old drama could be a way to reclaim the spotlight. However, given Swift’s current level of success and the overwhelming support she receives from her fans, it’s unlikely this move will work in his favor.

While it remains to be seen whether Swift will acknowledge Bieber’s subtle jab, one thing is certain—fans are watching closely. The Bad Blood reference has reignited discussions about their long-standing feud, bringing back memories of one of the biggest industry battles in recent years.

Bieber may have hoped to make a statement with his cryptic post, but Swift’s silence may prove to be the most powerful response of all. After all, when it comes to Taylor Swift, history has shown that she never forgets—and when she does respond, it’s usually in a way that leaves a lasting impact.