Justin Bieber has shared a response after fans noticed he’d stopped following wife Hailey on Instagram.

Justin Bieber briefly unfollowed Hailey Bieber on Instagram. Credit: Steve Granitz / Getty

The 30-year-old musician is one of the most famous people in the music industry, boasting a staggering 294 million followers on Instagram alone.

With a following that massive, it’s no surprise that fans are quick to spot changes – like who he’s following, or not following.

That’s exactly what happened earlier today when internet sleuths discovered that Bieber was no longer following his wife, Hailey Bieber, on the platform.

Many fans took to their social media to share their shock at the move. “OHH, WHAT HAPPENED?!” one fan exclaimed, while another said: “WAIT A DAMN MINUTE JUSTIN BIEBER UNFOLLOWED HAILEY????????????????”

The ‘What Do You Mean?’ artist wasted no time in addressing the speculation as wrote on his Instagram Story: “Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife. S**t is getting suss out here.”

Bieber spoke out on Instagram. Credit: Justin Bieber / Instagram

While the unfollowing drama had fans questioning the state of the couple’s marriage, recent posts on the singer’s Instagram tell a different story.

A few days ago, the ‘Beauty and a Beat’ star posted a series of snaps of him and the Rhode Beauty founder, taken by photographer Rory Kramer.

In one heartwarming shot, the couple held hands while ice skating, another featured them giving the camera the middle finger, while a third selfie saw Hailey sticking her tongue out as her husband posed in shades and a hooded coat.

A fourth picture showed the pair sipping hot beverages in ski gear, exuding cozy winter vibes.

Many fans have theorized that Bieber unfollowed his wife as part of a publicity stunt to drum up hype for his next album.

“I can’t believe Justin Bieber stooped so low to unfollow his wife Hailey just for a PR stunt,” one critic claimed. “I think he did it on purpose to make some noise,” another suggested.

Others went as far as calling him desperate: “Justin Bieber desperate for attention to promote his new album,” a third added.

While Bieber has not revealed whether he is releasing a new project, he did share snaps of himself singing with headphones on and a mic in hand on his Instagram.