Skip to main content

For many celebrities, social media can be the bain of their existence. Through apps like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, people from all over the world comment on issues about A-listers in Hollywood. In June 2021, model Hailey Rhode Bieber, 24, opened up about the words she receives online, including accusations of being a “fake Christian.”

Hailey Baldwin Bieber smirking with a black sequined outfit and red lipstick.
Hailey Bieber | Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for InStyle

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber’s faith is a central part of their marriage

Although she’s the daughter of Stephen Baldwin of the famed Baldwin family, Bieber had humble beginnings. The influencer grew up in Nyack, New York, and moved to New York City at 17. While living with her sister, Bieber started modeling to pay her bills. Soon, she gained attention from hanging out with other models such as Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner. 

In 2018, Bieber and her husband, Justin Bieber, reconnected. The pair first dated when she was 19 and broke up shortly after. However, Bieber told Elle Magazine that she noticed a significant change in the “Yummy” singer when they got back together. On Sept. 13, 2018, the couple tied the knot at a New York City courthouse. They decided to have an official wedding in Oct. 2019. Bieber’s wedding dress was a Virgil Abloh piece, per Vogue During her interview, Bieber credited her and Justin’s faith for keeping their relationship solid. 

“Being able to share that with each other—to have that bond of faith and spirituality—is so [critical] for us,” she said. “It’s the most important part of our relationship, following Jesus together, being a part of the church community together. It’s everything.” 

Why Hailey Bieber feels ‘weird’ about posting specific photos on social media

Since their relationship began, Bieber has defended herself online on several occasions. Many critics have discussed the model’s decision to get married at 21. Additionally, fans of her husband’s ex, Selena Gomez, caused Bieber to deactivate her Twitter account in 2020. 

Related

What Is Justin and Hailey Bieber’s Height Difference?

Although Bieber often receives negative feedback on social media, she said the comments from other Christians hurts her the most. While speaking with Insecure star Yvonne Orji on her YouTube channel, produced by OBB Pictures, Bieber claimed the accusations make her rethink posting photos on Instagram. 

“I’ve met a lot of Christians who are just like super judgmental and make me feel like I’m a bad person because I don’t live my life the way they think I should live my life,” the model explained.  “I’ve felt weird about posting certain photos of myself or like ‘people in the church are going to see this.’ ‘Am I doing something wrong’ or ‘am I setting like a bad example?’” 

What church do Hailey and Justin attend?

Throughout their relationship, the Biebers attended Hillsong Church in New York. Pastor Carl Lentz, who was a close friend of Justin’s, organized the church. In addition to the couple, celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian and Gomez. In Nov. 2020, however, Lentz got fired from the church amid a “revelation of moral failures,” per Vanity Fair.

Since Lentz’s firing, Bieber and her husband have reportedly unfollowed the pastor on Instagram. Nonetheless, the couple hasn’t addressed the reports about Hillsong publicly. 

Best in Entertainment