Justin Bieber is facing a wave of criticism after posting summer photos featuring his son, Jack Blues Bieber. The controversy isn't necessarily about the presence of the child in the photos, but rather the context created by other images included in the same social media post. Many fans are questioning Hailey Bieber's absence and slamming Justin's parenting choices, specifically regarding potential exposure to smoke.
The series of images, shared on Instagram, depict Bieber enjoying a getaway with friends and his nine-month-old son. Several photos show tender moments between father and son: Jack perched on Justin's shoulders, Jack's feet resting on the couch beside his dad. However, other images in the carousel have sparked significant backlash. One picture shows Justin smoking what appears to be a rolled cigarette alone, while another shows him doing the same with a friend. The fact that Justin is wearing the same outfit and sitting on the same couch in the smoking pictures as he is in the photo with Jack's feet visible has raised eyebrows.
The primary concern revolves around the possibility of secondhand smoke exposure to the infant. While Jack is not physically present in the smoking photos, the proximity and shared location have led many to voice their disapproval. Comments such as "Don't smoke in front of your kid?" and "I hope that baby wasn't exposed to marijuana smoke…" have flooded the comments section. Some critics have gone further, urging Justin to "be better" and accusing him of "doing drugs with the baby around." One commenter bluntly stated, "Dude, there is no way you have that baby around that smoke… be better like we know you can be."
Adding fuel to the fire is the question of Hailey Bieber's whereabouts. The absence of the child's mother in these vacation photos has led some to ask, "Where is his mama?". This question isn't just about Hailey's physical location, but also implies a concern about her role and involvement in Jack's life, especially when potential safety issues are raised.
Defenders of Justin Bieber have been quick to point out that Jack is not visible in the photos where Justin is smoking. They argue that these are separate moments and that it's unfair to assume the baby was exposed to any smoke. Some have accused the critics of "saying anything for attention" and have told them to "worry about your own life." One fan wrote, "You don't see that man Smoking with his baby in NONE OF THESE PICS!? y'all say anything for attention.” Others emphasized that the moments were captured separately and that assumptions were being made unfairly.
This isn't the first time Justin Bieber's parenting has come under scrutiny. He previously received criticism for a Mother's Day message deemed insensitive and for posting a photo of Jack's bare bottom on social media. These past incidents contribute to a growing narrative of questionable parenting choices in the eyes of some observers. In March, he faced backlash for sharing a photo of Jack's bare bottom online, with many reminding him of the dangers of posting intimate photos of children.
Adding another layer to the situation, old comments made by Justin about Hailey have resurfaced, sparking outrage among her fans. In the resurfaced video, Justin jokingly tells Hailey that he would have "gotten rid" of her a long time ago if she weren't "so hot." He also drew criticism for admitting he once told her she'd never land a Vogue cover. This perceived lack of support for his wife's achievements, especially in light of Hailey recently selling her Rhode Beauty line for $1 billion, has further fueled the negative sentiment toward Justin.
The controversy surrounding Justin Bieber's latest photos highlights the intense scrutiny celebrities face regarding their parenting decisions. While some defend his right to privacy and accuse critics of overreacting, others remain concerned about the potential risks to his child and question his judgment. The "Where is his mama?" sentiment reflects a broader concern about parental responsibility and the well-being of baby Jack Blues Bieber.
