Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez rekindle discussion of brand rivalry

Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez exchanged public remarks this month after comments by Bieber about industry comparisons reignited longstanding online debate about the two celebrities and their beauty brands. Bieber, in an interview published Oct. 14, addressed questions about how her Rhode skincare line fits alongside other brands in Sephora and said she was tired of being "pitted against other people." Three days later Gomez posted and then deleted an Instagram Story that urged fans to "just leave the girl alone" and called for kindness, prompting renewed discussion among their followers.

Bieber told WSJ Magazine that she does not see herself as competing with brands that do not inspire her and that "there is space for everybody." When a reporter attempted to press her on comparisons with Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Bieber’s publicist declined to allow a direct response, according to the interview. She added that it is "annoying being pitted against other people" and that prevailing public narratives about her are often based on misperception rather than her own actions.

Gomez’s brief Instagram message, posted Oct. 17 and later removed, said in part, "She can say whatever she wants....