LONDON: Pop sensation Justin Bieber has fuelled fresh speculation about a possible rift in his personal life after posting a cryptic message on Instagram that read, “Broke another olive branch,” accompanied by a single dove emoji.
The monochromatic close-up shared with his 294 million followers on Saturday offered no further explanation, leaving fans and media guessing.
The 31-year-old Canadian artist did not clarify who the message was directed at, but the phrase has sparked widespread rumours of another friendship or professional fallout.
The post follows an earlier incident in June when Bieber shared screenshots of a heated text exchange with an unnamed former friend, further adding to speculation about the state of his close relationships.
In February, a representative for the Baby hitmaker told TMZ that Bieber had experienced a “very transformative” year, during which he severed several long-standing personal and business ties.
“He ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him,” the representative revealed.
The singer has also been candid about his personal growth and struggles.
In a recent caption accompanying a post about finding peace in nature, Bieber admitted, “I can be extremely selfish and impatient yet Jesus always has his arms open toward me.”
The statement reflected the introspective tone of his seventh studio album SWAG, released unexpectedly on 11 July.
The album explores themes of personal struggle, spiritual growth, and family life.
Despite the mysterious post, Bieber recently reaffirmed his commitment to wife Hailey Bieber and their 10-month-old son, Jack Blues.
On 6 July, he posted a series of sunset photos showing the couple embracing on a balcony, captioned, “My forever n always,” with swirling heart emojis.
The couple appeared relaxed and affectionate, suggesting stability in their relationship.
Hailey Bieber, 28, has also addressed persistent speculation about their marriage.
In June, she shared a video applying her Rhode beauty product with her wedding ring prominently displayed, days after being spotted without it in New York City.
Earlier this year, she posted on Instagram Stories criticising online rumours, writing: “The stories and constant ‘blind items’ I see on TikTok are 100% of the time wrong… Made out of thin air… So I know it may be fun feeding into these stories but just know they’re always false.”
In a May interview with Vogue, Hailey spoke openly about the challenges of new motherhood and the intense public scrutiny.
“Being postpartum is the most sensitive time I’ve ever gone through in my life,” she said.
“To be doing that all the while going on the internet every day and people being like, ‘They’re getting divorced,’ and ‘they’re this’ and ‘they’re not happy’… it is such a mindf–k.”
