Hailey Bieber has sent a cease and desist letter to TikTok creator Julie Theis, accusing her of spreading false and defamatory statements about Bieber’s marriage to Justin Bieber. This legal action, first reported within the last 24 hours, highlights tensions between celebrities and social media commentators over free speech and reputation.
According to documents obtained by TMZ, the cease and desist letter was dated January 13, 2026, and authored by the Biebers’ attorney Evan Spiegel. It alleges that Theis posted ‘outrageous false, fabricated, and defamatory’ claims on TikTok and Instagram, where she described the couple’s relationship as abusive and linked to addiction. Spiegel’s letter demands immediate removal of the videos and a permanent halt to such content, warning of potential legal liability for Theis.
In her videos, Theis elaborated on themes of codependency in relationships, stating that women often tolerate ‘mediocrity, abuse, and emotional labor,’ and cited Hailey and Justin Bieber as a prime example. The cease and desist strongly refutes these assertions, labeling them as fabricated and damaging to the couple’s public image. Complex reported that the letter specifically references a video where Theis claims ‘an addictive partner is always an abusive partner,’ further escalating the allegations.
Julie Theis responded to the legal threat in a TikTok video and through a statement to TMZ, expressing concern over attempts to silence her free speech. She insisted her comments were opinion-based commentary on relationship dynamics, not defamation, and argued, ‘Disagreement is not defamation.’ Theis also revealed that she has been receiving death threats since the controversy began, adding a personal safety element to the dispute.
This incident is not the first time the Biebers have taken legal action against online critics; they previously threatened to sue a plastic surgeon over TikTok videos. The current case raises broader questions about the boundaries between free expression and defamation in the digital age, where influencers’ opinions can quickly lead to legal confrontations. It reflects ongoing public scrutiny of celebrity marriages and the power dynamics at play when high-profile individuals address negative narratives.
As both sides stand firm, the outcome may set precedents for how similar conflicts are resolved in entertainment and social media spheres. If Theis does not comply with the demands, the Biebers could pursue further legal action, potentially leading to a court battle that tests the limits of online commentary. Meanwhile, the situation underscores the challenges celebrities face in managing their public personas amid relentless online speculation.
