Justin Bieber breaks silence after 'unfollowing' wife Hailey on social media

Justin Bieber has issued a stern statement after fans noticed he'd unfollowed his own wife Hailey and ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez on social media.

Earlier today, Tyla reported on the singer's apparent social media cull, after spotting that several of his close friends and family - as well as his former manager Scooter Braun - had gotten the chop.

Naturally, Hailey being unfollowed sparked rumours of trouble in paradise behind the scenes from fans.

"Is this the modern way of announcing a breakup," one questioned on social media afterwards.

Another admitted: "Wow didn’t see this one coming."

As we say, however, Rhode founder Hailey, 28, isn't the only one that Justin had chosen to axe from his 'following' list, with his former flame Selena also having received an unfollow.

After noticing, one fan took to X to write: "Justin Bieber unfollowing Hailey and Selena? Bold move—Instagram drama is the new ‘One Less Lonely Girl.’ #UnfollowGate".

Taking to Instagram to address the speculation, however, the 30-year-old wrote on his story: "Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife."

He added: "S**t is getting suss out here."

Prior to issuing his response, some of the 'Never Say Never' hit-maker's followers were under the impression that his social media move may have formed part of a PR stunt, and that Justin is actually using the attention as a means of creating hype surrounding future musical works.

"Attention seeking behaviour. Pr stunt to promote his album. Both of them," one critic slammed in response to the unfollowing news, while another predicted: "Seeking attention for his new music."

"I think he did it on purpose to make some noise," a third claimed.

Another sceptic wrote online: "He knows he is coming to flop with his new album its giving pr its giving desperate".

Their suggestions come just days after some fans convinced themselves the 'What Do You Mean' singer is set to make an imminent return to the entertainment industry in the coming months.

Some were also quick to point out that, just two days ago, Justin posted snaps of Hailey on his IG page, implying that the unfollows can't possibly be viewed as an indication of strife between them.

He's been sharing a number of snaps papped by photographer, Rory Kramer, one of which showed him and Hailey holding hands while ice-skating.

A second in a separate photo dump saw the pair putting their middle fingers up to the camera while a third selfie saw Hailey sticking her tongue out as Justin posed in shades and a hooded coat.

Meanwhile, a fourth snap saw the couple in ski-gear drinking some hot beverages in takeaway cups.