The Hailey Bieber 'Stalker' Theory: 5 Facts About Her First Meeting With Justin Bieber And The Viral Claims

The claim that Hailey Baldwin "stalked" Justin Bieber before they were married has become a relentless, viral narrative online, fueled by social media "documentaries" and years of internet drama. While the term "stalking" carries serious legal and emotional weight, the online debate centers on the model's journey from being a teenage fan to becoming the wife of one of the world's biggest pop stars.

As of December 2025, this decade-old story continues to resurface, prompting Hailey Bieber to address the persistent, often malicious, jokes and accusations. Understanding the truth requires looking at the actual timeline of their relationship, how they first met, and the context of the online toxicity that surrounds the couple.

Complete Biography & Profile: Justin and Hailey Bieber

To fully contextualize the claims, it is essential to understand the backgrounds of both figures involved in one of pop culture's most scrutinized marriages.

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Justin Drew Bieber

• Born: March 1, 1994, in London, Ontario, Canada.
• Parents: Patricia "Pattie" Mallette and Jeremy Bieber.
• Career Start: Discovered in 2008 by Scooter Braun via YouTube videos of him singing covers.
• Major Hits: "Baby," "Sorry," "Despacito" (Remix), "Stay," and "Yummy."
• Awards: Grammy Award-winning Canadian singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist.
• Status: One of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Hailey Rhode Bieber (née Baldwin)

• Born: November 22, 1996, in Tucson, Arizona, U.S.
• Parents: Actor Stephen Baldwin and graphic designer Kennya Deodato.
• Family Background: Part of the famous Baldwin acting family; her uncle is Alec Baldwin.
• Career: American model, socialite, creative director, and businesswoman.
• Notable Work: High-fashion campaigns for brands like Versace and Saint Laurent, and founder of the skincare line Rhode.

The Infamous First Meeting: Fan, Friend, or Something More?

The entire basis for the "stalker" narrative stems from a brief, documented moment in 2009. The reality of their initial interaction is far removed from the dramatic label it has been given online.

1. The 2009 'Today Show' Introduction

In November 2009, a then 13-year-old Hailey Baldwin was introduced to 15-year-old Justin Bieber backstage at his appearance on the *Today Show*. This introduction was facilitated by her father, actor Stephen Baldwin, who was a friend of Justin's mother, Pattie Mallette.

2. The Viral Video Clip

A short, awkward video clip of this first meeting went viral years later. It shows Stephen Baldwin introducing a clearly unimpressed-looking Hailey to Justin. Critics online often point to this clip, and subsequent photos of Hailey attending his events, as "proof" of her long-term obsession, framing her as a dedicated fan who engineered her way into his life.

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3. The Decades-Long Relationship Timeline

The "stalker" theory ignores the decade of on-again, off-again friendship and romance that followed.

• 2009: First meeting.
• 2014-2015: They become close friends, often attending church together.
• Late 2015/Early 2016: They briefly date, confirming their romance with an Instagram photo, but break up months later.
• 2016-2018: They have a period of "icy" distance, with Justin even unfollowing her on social media.
• Mid-2018: They rekindle their romance and get engaged within a month.
• September 2018: They marry in a New York City courthouse.

The Modern Accusations and Hailey's Response

The "stalker" narrative gained significant traction in recent years, particularly on TikTok, where a series of videos alleged that Hailey not only stalked Justin but also copied his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez. This fueled a massive wave of online hate and harassment directed at Hailey.

4. The Church 'Stalking' Claim

Another specific claim that circulated was that Hailey "stalked" Justin at church after his final breakup with Selena Gomez. Both Justin and Hailey are known to be deeply religious and attend the same church, Hillsong, which is a common meeting ground for many celebrities in Los Angeles and New York. The idea that two people who share a social circle and a place of worship are "stalking" each other is a dramatic oversimplification of their shared community.

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5. Hailey Bieber's Consideration of Legal Action

The persistence of the "stalker" and "bully" narrative has reached a critical point. In recent updates, sources close to Hailey Bieber have indicated that she is exploring legal options against the online haters perpetuating these damaging and false narratives. The constant stream of jokes about her using "multiple secret accounts" to follow people or a "witch potion" to win over Justin has become a severe issue of harassment.

Topical Authority: Why the Narrative Persists

The "Hailey stalked Justin" narrative is a perfect storm of celebrity gossip, fueled by several key factors:

• The 'Jelena' Factor: The intense, long-running public interest in Justin Bieber’s relationship with Selena Gomez (Jelena) meant that any woman who became his wife would inevitably be viewed through a lens of suspicion and comparison.
• The Fan-to-Wife Trope: The idea of a celebrity marrying a dedicated fan is a compelling, almost fictional trope that the public loves to scrutinize, regardless of the years of friendship and history involved.
• TikTok Virality: Social media platforms, especially TikTok, reward dramatic, long-form "exposé" content. The compilation of old fan photos and out-of-context clips created a powerful, albeit misleading, visual "evidence" that spread rapidly.

Ultimately, the claim that Hailey Baldwin stalked Justin Bieber is a sensationalized, decade-spanning internet theory. While she was undeniably a fan who met him through a privileged connection, the relationship evolved through years of friendship, a brief romance, a separation, and a final reunion. The recent legal considerations highlight the serious real-world impact of the persistent online harassment and the need for a more nuanced understanding of their complex relationship history.