On a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles on August 20, 2025, Hailey Bieber was seen strolling through the streets with her 11-month-old son, Jack Blues, sparking a flurry of curiosity and speculation among fans. The Rhode founder, dressed in a casual yet chic ensemble, pushed a stroller with Jack, whose blonde locks peeked out as they enjoyed a leisurely walk. Notably absent was her husband, Justin Bieber, whose absence from the outing has left fans buzzing on social media platforms like X and Instagram. As the couple prepares to celebrate Jack’s first birthday on August 22, the question on everyone’s mind is: Where is Justin Bieber? The sighting, combined with recent glimpses into the couple’s life, has fueled a mix of concern, admiration, and wild guesses about the pop star’s whereabouts.

A Rare Public Moment

Hailey Bieber, 28, has been a fixture in the public eye since marrying Justin Bieber in 2018, but she’s kept her son Jack Blues largely out of the spotlight since his birth on August 22, 2024. The couple, who announced Jack’s arrival with a sweet Instagram post featuring his tiny foot, has shared occasional glimpses of their son—his blonde hair, playful moments on a boat, and even his music video debut in Justin’s “Yukon” track. Yet, these moments are carefully curated, often avoiding full facial shots to protect his privacy. The August 20 sighting, however, offered a more candid view as Hailey navigated the bustling streets of LA, her focus squarely on her son.

Dressed in a loose-fitting white blouse, high-waisted jeans, and oversized sunglasses, Hailey exuded her signature effortless style. Jack, bundled in a light blue onesie with a tiny cap, seemed content in his stroller, occasionally reaching for his mother’s hand. The duo stopped at a local café, where Hailey ordered a smoothie, chatting briefly with a barista before continuing their walk. Paparazzi captured the moment, and within hours, photos and videos flooded social media, drawing attention not just to the mother-son outing but to Justin’s noticeable absence.

Fan Reactions and Speculation

The internet erupted with reactions, with fans taking to X to voice their thoughts. “Hailey out with Jack looking like the perfect mom, but where’s Justin?” one user posted, accompanied by a puzzled emoji. Another wrote, “Seeing Hailey and Jack together is adorable, but it’s weird Justin isn’t there. Hope everything’s okay!” The absence of the “Baby” singer, 31, who has been a constant presence in family photos and videos this summer, sparked a range of theories. Some fans speculated he might be working on new music, given his recent album Swag drop in July. Others suggested he could be on a solo trip or handling personal matters, with comments like, “Maybe Justin’s giving Hailey some mom time, or is he hiding out after those marriage rumors?”

The speculation isn’t unfounded. Justin and Hailey have faced ongoing scrutiny about their marriage, with rumors of strain surfacing periodically since Jack’s birth. Hailey addressed this in a May 2025 Vogue profile, calling the postpartum period “the most delicate time” and dismissing online chatter about their relationship. Recent posts, including a PDA-filled dinner date on August 8 and a family boat day in the “Yukon” video, had quelled some concerns. Yet, Justin’s absence on August 20 reignited the conversation, with fans dissecting every detail for clues.

A Look at Recent Family Dynamics

The Bieber family has been in the spotlight this summer, offering fans a rare peek into their life as parents. On August 9, Justin shared a carousel of selfies with Jack on Instagram, highlighting their father-son bond with sweet kisses and playful moments. Hailey followed suit on August 17, posting a carousel featuring Jack placing his toes on her face, captioned with a lighthearted “well…. Yes! 🧍🏼‍♀️.” These posts painted a picture of a united family, with Jack’s first birthday approaching as a milestone they’ve both celebrated publicly.

Justin’s involvement in Jack’s life has been evident, from cradling him on Italian vacations to featuring him in the “Yukon” video, directed by Cole Bennett. The couple’s chemistry was also on display during a dinner date at Giorgio Baldi on August 8, where they were photographed laughing and holding hands. These moments suggest a strong partnership, making Justin’s absence on August 20 stand out even more. Some fans theorize he might be tied up with his High and Alive World Tour preparations or a surprise project, while others wonder if he’s taking a break to recharge after a busy year.

Possible Explanations for Justin’s Absence

Several plausible explanations have emerged for Justin’s whereabouts. One theory is that he’s in the studio, building on the success of Swag, his first album since 2021’s Justice. The 21-track project, featuring collaborations with artists like Gunna and Sexxy Red, was described by a source as “his most personal record yet,” shaped by fatherhood. Justin’s Instagram posts from July showed him jamming with Jack in a studio, hinting at ongoing creative work that could explain his absence.

Another possibility is a personal retreat. Justin has been open about needing downtime to manage his mental health, a topic he touched on in a 2025 Vogue Italia interview. “Being a dad is the best, but it’s intense,” he said. “Sometimes I need a day to just breathe.” A solo trip to a quiet location, perhaps in Canada or Hawaii, where the couple owns property, could align with this need for solitude, especially as Jack’s birthday nears.

Family obligations might also play a role. With Jack turning one on August 22, Justin could be planning a surprise for Hailey and their son, possibly arranging a private celebration or working with family members like his father, Jeremy, who lives in Stratford, Ontario. Fans on X noted, “Justin might be setting up something special for Jack’s big day. That’s why he’s not with Hailey today.”

Hailey’s Strength as a Solo Parent

Hailey’s outing with Jack showcased her confidence as a mother, a role she’s embraced since Jack’s birth. In a July 2025 Instagram Story, she wrote, “Excuse me while I cry a lot today thinking about my baby turning 1 next month,” reflecting her emotional investment in motherhood. The August 20 walk demonstrated her ability to balance parenting with her busy schedule, running Rhode and maintaining her public persona. Sources close to the family say Hailey often takes Jack on solo outings to local parks or cafes, giving Justin space for his own pursuits while she bonds with their son.

This independence aligns with Hailey’s past statements about their relationship. In a 2024 W Magazine interview, she emphasized their ability to navigate fame together, saying, “We’ve learned to give each other room to breathe.” Her solo appearance could simply be a reflection of this dynamic, though fans remain eager for confirmation of Justin’s status.

The Bigger Picture: Privacy vs. Public Interest

The incident underscores the ongoing tension between the Biebers’ desire for privacy and the public’s fascination with their lives. Since Jack’s birth, they’ve shared selective moments—Halloween costumes in 2024, a Thanksgiving photo dump, and summer vacation snaps—while keeping much under wraps. Justin’s history of stepping back from the spotlight, including a 2019 break to focus on his mental health, adds context to his occasional absences. Hailey’s decision to go public with Jack alone might be a deliberate choice to normalize their family life, though it’s inadvertently fueled speculation.

Fans have mixed reactions. Some admire Hailey’s strength, with one X user writing, “Hailey’s out there being a super mom while Justin’s probably doing his thing. They’ve got this teamwork down.” Others express concern, posting, “Hope Justin’s okay. This feels off after all the family time lately.” The debate reflects the broader challenge celebrities face in balancing personal moments with public scrutiny.

Looking Ahead to Jack’s Birthday

As Jack’s first birthday approaches on August 22, 2025, the focus will likely shift back to the couple as a unit. Given their history of marking milestones together—renewing vows in 2024 before Jack’s birth and celebrating Mother’s Day 2025 with sweet posts—fans expect a joint celebration. Whether Justin rejoins Hailey for the occasion or surprises her with a gesture tied to his current absence remains to be seen. For now, the August 20 sighting serves as a reminder of the Biebers’ evolving family life, where love and privacy coexist amid the glare of fame.

The question of Justin’s whereabouts lingers, but the outpouring of support for Hailey and Jack suggests fans are rooting for the family’s happiness. As one fan put it on Instagram, “Wherever Justin is, he’s got the best wife and kid waiting for him. Can’t wait to see them all together for Jack’s big day!” Until then, the mystery adds another layer to the Bieber saga, keeping the world captivated by their every move.