It details how over the past several years, Hailey has transformed from being a model and wife to a pop star into a business mogul and big-time celebrity in her own right. In fact, the article notes, she is often the one making headlines these days for her buzzy and successful skin-care brand, Rhode, with Justin usually being spotted at events two steps behind her, in oversized streetwear.
This is a far cry from the beginning days of their relationship in 2016, when Justin was fresh off his number one album Purpose, which would go on to be certified six times platinum and be nominated for four Grammys. It’s not hyperbolic to say that when the couple got together Justin was one of the most famous people in the world, while Hailey was mostly known for her friendships with other famous models like Kendall Jenner and being the daughter of one of the less well-known Baldwin brothers, Stephen.
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But now, the couple has experienced a drastic shift. While Justin’s star has remained bright and he is still incredibly famous, it’s now his wife who is the one drawing the crowds of adoring fans and more often making headlines. Hailey has a thriving (and reportedly, close to $1 billion) brand, while Justin has taken the past several years off work and has largely retreated from the spotlight. It’s a changing dynamic that, even in today’s world, is hard for some men to experience, famous or not.
The truth is that our culture is often still more comfortable with the notion of a couple that consists of a powerful and successful man and a woman who largely plays the role of silent cheerleader on his arm. And as some women have commented on social media in response to Justin’s post, when that dynamic gets flipped, especially when it happens several years into a relationship, it can be tough to navigate.
Several shared stories of facing embarrassment and hurtful comments from former partners once they reached a pinnacle of career success, saying their partner’s egos ultimately were unable to handle being outshone by a woman.
“May that kind of love never find me again,” wrote one person, in a common sentiment. “Never let anyone dull your dreams and ambitions.”
Is that what is happening here with Justin and Hailey? Ultimately, we don’t know, although that hasn’t stopped all the social media accounts obsessed with their dynamic from wildly speculating. Maybe Justin was trying to be cruel toward his wife, but maybe he had the best intentions and just just put his foot in his mouth.
Either way, as with many celebrity dustups, the response to what ultimately was a short-lived Instagram post says a lot more about us than it does about them.