Justin Bieber’s Sweet Family Photo With Son Jack Sparks Backlash Over ‘Weird’ Wardrobe Detail

Justin Bieber may have intended to melt hearts with a new father-son snapshot, but fans were quick to notice something else entirely — and it had nothing to do with his baby boy.

The 31-year-old pop star took to Instagram on August 14 to share a rare moment with his 12-month-old son, Jack Blues, ahead of the child’s first birthday next weekend. In the image, Bieber is seen lounging in the sun with his little one perched on his lap.

Bieber shares Jack with his wife, Hailey Bieber, 28, the model and beauty entrepreneur behind Rhode Skin. The couple famously tied the knot in a New York courthouse in 2018 after years of on-again, off-again dating, later hosting a lavish ceremony in South Carolina.

Since welcoming their son last year, the Biebers have been selective about how much they reveal online, shielding Jack’s face from the public to protect his privacy.

But in this case, it wasn’t Jack drawing attention — it was Justin.

Fans zero in on Bieber’s open fly

In the photo, Bieber sported a hot-pink hoodie and loose-fitting grey jeans. What he didn’t seem to notice, however, was that his fly was completely unzipped.

Followers immediately flocked to the comments to point out the slip-up.

"Bieber you forgot to button your pants," one wrote.

Another joked: "So the person who took this pic couldn’t zip his fly up?"

Bieber shares Jack with his wife, Hailey Bieber, 28, the model and beauty entrepreneur behind Rhode Skin.

Instagram/haileybieber

Followers immediately flocked to the comments to point out the slip-up.

Instagram/@justinbieber

Others were less forgiving, criticizing the singer for appearing sloppy in a photo with his son. One follower scolded, "Honestly, button your pants and act and conduct yourself like a father. You are setting an example for him every day."

Another bluntly added, "Why are his pants open? That’s just weird to do on purpose."

Furthermore, the perception of anonymity on social media platforms can contribute to this behavior. A study led by Dr. John Suler, 'The Online Disinhibition Effect', explains how people may behave differently online due to the perceived lack of consequences (Suler, 2004). This, coupled with the aforementioned social comparison, can lead to harsh criticism of celebrities on platforms like Instagram.

Not the first controversy over parenting posts

This isn’t the first time Bieber’s parenting posts have sparked debate. In the past, the Grammy-winning artist has been criticized for sharing intimate photos of his son — including snaps that exposed the toddler’s bare bottom. Critics accused Bieber of oversharing and failing to respect Jack’s privacy.

"What is wrong with you!!!??? Protect your kid!!!!!" one angry fan wrote at the time. Another added: "Crazy he’s going to exploit his child."

More recently, a caption caused just as much drama as the image itself. When Bieber posted a shielded photo of Jack, he paired it with a single middle-finger emoji — a move that baffled his followers.

"Odd caption with a photo of your baby…," one commenter observed. Another asked, "What is it with the finger, babe?"

Since becoming a father, Bieber has often spoken about his desire to give Jack a normal upbringing, despite his own life under the microscope.

Instagram/@justinbieber

Understanding the Psychology of Celebrity Criticism

Public figures like Justin Bieber often face criticism due to their high visibility and perceived accessibility. This behavior can be traced back to Social Comparison Theory, which suggests that people evaluate their own lives by comparing themselves to others. This theory, proposed by Leon Festinger in 1954, is still relevant in today's digital age, where celebrities' lives are constantly displayed on social media (Festinger, 1954). This can lead to unwanted criticism as fans scrutinize every detail of celebrities' lives.

Balancing fame and fatherhood

Since becoming a father, Bieber has often spoken about his desire to give Jack a normal upbringing, despite his own life under the microscope. Yet, his attempts at sharing family moments online frequently stir mixed reactions.

On one hand, fans love seeing glimpses of the singer’s new chapter as a dad. On the other, critics argue that his social media habits — from his choice of photos to careless captions — undermine the protective stance he claims to hold.

While the latest slip-up might be nothing more than an overlooked zipper, it reignites a bigger question Bieber has faced since Jack’s birth: how much of his son’s life should he be sharing with the world?

The Impact of Celebrity Scrutiny on Mental Health

Being under constant scrutiny can have adverse effects on a person's mental health. A study by Dr. Donna Rockwell titled 'Being a Celebrity: A Phenomenology of Fame' highlights that celebrities can experience 'depersonalization' and a loss of privacy that can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions (Rockwell, 2013). It's important for the public to remember that celebrities, despite their public personas, are still human beings with feelings and deserve respect.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the criticism that celebrities like Justin Bieber face is often a result of social comparison and online disinhibition. However, it's crucial to remember the potential mental health implications of such scrutiny. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it's important to promote a culture of empathy and understanding, even in our interactions with public figures (Rockwell, 2013; Festinger, 1954; Suler, 2004).