Model Hailey and singer Justin Bieber have escalated their dispute with TikTok creator Julie Theis by issuing a cease-and-desist letter accusing her of fabricating claims about their marriage. According to a letter obtained by TMZ, the couple’s attorney, Evan Spiegel, alleged that Theis posted “outrageous false, fabricated, and defamatory” statements online. Spiegel said Theis uploaded TikTok and Instagram videos describing Justin and Hailey’s relationship as abusive and tied to drug addiction, calling the allegations “highly damaging.”
The cease-and-desist demands that Theis remove the videos and permanently stop posting content that implies the Biebers are in an abusive marriage. Theis confirmed on Tuesday via TikTok that she had received the legal notice. She insisted her content was not defamatory and said her videos were “clearly opinion-based commentary about relationship dynamics and power.”
In a statement to TMZ, Theis said she was concerned the couple was attempting to silence her and undermine her free speech rights. “It’s extremely elitist to try to silence opinions just because you disagree. Disagreement is not defamation,” she said, adding that she has received death threats since the controversy began.
The Biebers have not publicly commented on the matter, and their representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.