Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber are not at war. Anyone doubting that need only read the Disney alum’s recent supportive comments about her former boyfriend’s more reflective return to his career and his creative rejuvenation as an artist.
During press rounds ahead of the October 9 release of Revival , her highly anticipated new album, Selena revealed the friendly status of her relationship with Justin and spoke positively about his new music and maturer persona in a new interview with the New York Times .
Bieber’s new single “What Do You Mean?” has broken multiple records and racked up No. 1’s around the world, while Gomez followed her Billboard Hot 100 No. 6 hit “The Heart Wants What It Wants” with a No. 5 chart placing for the sultry and extremely well-received “ Good For You .”
After noting the Biebs’ “re-emergence as a humbled artist,” NYT writes that the pop princess is heartened by their parallel music successes. Referring to previous criticism she endured over her romance with the Canadian star and his present personal and music comeback, Selena told the paper, “While people were writing that I was stupid for being in it, this is what I always saw in him. I’m like, duh!”
Gomez’s latest remarks about Bieber follow similar remarks about their much-scrutinized relationship in her recent cover story in Elle magazine. Contrary to gossip media claims alleging the former sweethearts don’t speak or hang out, the starlet revealed they do — albeit with a (possibly doubtful) proviso that their meets always include mutual friends.
When Elle asked whether she could see herself getting back together with her ex, Selena admitted, “I don’t know.” Elaborating, she said, “Genuinely, I’ll forever support him and love him in a way that… We grew up together. I think people want it to be different. We’re too young for that. Nobody was married. There was no… I respect him. And I think he respects me, in a healthy manner.”
Gomez has gone on record expressing solidarity with her ex in other interviews. Back in July, she told German magazine TV Movie that the pair have maintained their connection despite interference from others.
“We spur each other on… People try to turn us against each other, but that will never work. We’ll always support one another.”
Of course, the starlet didn’t only talk about Bieber with NYT . The actress-singer also discussed “growing and changing” generally. “I was in a relationship,” the 23-year-old recalled. “And I was being managed by my parents, and I was still under Hollywood and Disney, and I was being held to this expectation of being the good girl.”
Selena famously fired her momager last year. Although it was previously reported by tabloids as a non-amicable parting, Selena told NYT the process was like “a kid going to college.” Famous BFF, Taylor Swift, also merited a shout-out.
“Taylor is a lot more trusting than I am,” Selena said , continuing, “I have trust issues, given my situation. She’s very open, so she brings out this other side of me.”
The starlet performed songs from her new album for fans at her Revival Event in Los Angeles last week. Some of the footage from that throwdown was used in the music video for Gomez’s latest single “ Same Old Love .” Is it about Justin Bieber ? Probably. Perhaps the better question is, does it really matter since it’s clear Gomez and the heartthrob have moved on but still have love and respect for each other?
Watch Selena Gomez’s video from the “Revival Event” and “Same Old Love” below and let us know your thoughts on either in comments.
[Images Instagram / Universal Music Group / Interscope]