Justin Bieber Deletes His Instagram Account in Wake of Selena Gomez Feud

by Jason Merritt/Getty Images

We have pressing, important updates for you related to the Justin Bieber–Selena Gomez scuffle ("scuffle" is probably too mild a word for the enormity of the situation, given it has consumed the thoughts of an entire globe for close to 48 hours now). As you well know, Bieber and Gomez had it out on Instagram on Sunday. To summarize briefly, Bieber asked his fans to leave alone his new travel companion, 17-year-old Sofia Richie (yes, Lionel's daughter). Gomez then decided, allegedly, to comment on his account, assessing that if he couldn't "handle the hate," then he should refrain from posting pictures of his "girlfriend." They continued to bicker, while Gomez went on to post a number of pictures of herself with her fans (a pointed jab at Bieber, whose fans were bemoaning what they saw as his lack of appreciation).

The latest turns in the saga, though, are somewhat . . . bleaker. Tuesday night, Bieber posted a series of shots of a new dog, which he revealed was named Todd. It appeared as though the 22-year-old pop singer had, perhaps, moved on, that he was not going to engage with the drama anymore. He was going to post photos of his dog, and the dog's name was Todd, and things were going to be simple. But this period of relative calm did not last long, as, by the morning, his Instagram account had been deleted entirely. (Considering the volatility with which these players act, it is quite possible it will have been restored by the time you are reading this.)

Meanwhile, Gomez appears to be taking stock of the skirmish, as well. She posted on her Snapchat (yes, we are venturing into other platforms now) a brief message late Monday evening: "What I said was selfish and pointless."

Meanwhile, Richie has not posted any photos of Bieber since Sunday. Her most recent picture is an old shot of her family, taken in a time before Instagram, before Snapchat, before emojis and screenshots and comments, a time before Justin Bieber had so much as met Selena Gomez.

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Discovered when he was 14, 16-year-old Bieber has accomplished remarkable feats all within the past two years: a platinum debut album (My World), two Grammy nominations, four American Music Awards (he beat out Eminem and Lady Gaga for artist of the year), and a feature film, Never Say Never, out February 11. Did we mention a world tour?

Bieber wears a shirt by Gucci. Grooming products by Bumble and Bumble and Make Up For Ever. See complete credits.

"Check out my six-pack!" Bieber said (and we're not talking about Coca-Cola!). The September 2009 Vanity Fair collectors' issue, featuring Michael Jackson with a similarly exposed chest, happened to be found on set and prompted Justin's desire to emulate his moonwalking idol. "I want to be like Michael!" he exclaimed. Lisa Robinson's interview with a teenage Michael Jackson in this same issue excited the Biebs; the legendary music writer was soon to interview our present-day teenage sensation, leaving Michael and Justin with much more in common than just an open shirt.

Bieber wears a shirt by Band of Outsiders. See complete credits.

Every move he makes, the world watches. Screaming fans and flashing lights don't phase the Biebs, as he poses with his other source of inspiration: every Elvis record imaginable. It didn't take much to get the extras in the shoot excited about Justin. Not knowing that he would be there, the girls shrieked deafeningly when they walked onto the set. We overheard one adorable extra say, "I went to the bathroom so many times just so I could get a glimpse of where Justin was. I never even really had to go!"

Bieber wears a turtleneck and jeans by Thom Browne New York; shoes by Keds. See complete credits.

Truly a modern-day Renaissance man, Justin attracts as many fans on the croquet court as he does on the stage. We hope a change of career is not in the near future, though one in croquet appears promising.

Bieber wears a shirt by Band of Outsiders; pants by Unis; shoes by Keds. See complete credits.

Beyond the camera's lens, the girls privileged enough to touch Justin were on the verge of fainting with delight. At one point bragging, "I got to touch Justin's heart!" one girl fulfilled the dreams of millions.

Bieber wears a turtleneck by Emporio Armani. See complete credits.

"What do I love about Justin? Everything!" said Justin's lucky lunch date. Her favorite part of the meal? Ice-cold lemonade, with an afternoon serenade on the side.

Bieber wears a cardigan by Band of Outsiders; T-shirt by the Gap; pants by Unis; shoes by Keds. See complete credits.

Dreads over threads, Justin's clothes were waterlogged while, at his insistence, his hair remained dry. Moments later, Justin and his team jetted to board a private plane to San Diego, so he'd have enough time to meet more fans before his arena show that night.

Bieber wears a shirt by Band of Outsiders; pants by Prada; shoes by Keds; sunglasses by Ray-Ban. See complete credits.

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Josh DuboffJosh Duboff is a VF.com senior writer, based in New York, who covers entertainment and culture.

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