Justin Bieber's surprise release of his seventh studio album has been credited with nearly derailing his marriage to Hailey Bieber, according to reports from RadarOnline.com and Us Weekly. Sources close to the couple say the 31-year-old pop star's obsessive focus on the project, titled Swag, left his wife feeling sidelined as he worked in isolation.
"The intense focus and emotional toll of creating new music had put a strain on their marriage," a source told Us Weekly. "When Justin is in the studio making new music, he gets completely consumed and shuts everything else out."
Hailey Bieber, 28, reportedly struggled with her husband's absence during the first half of the year, as Justin secretly prepared the album without advance notice to fans. The Peaches singer stunned his following on July 11 when Swag appeared on streaming services, his first full-length release since 2021. The rollout was met with strong reviews, which insiders say brought "a sense of relief on both sides."
"Justin's behavior has been more relaxed," a source told RadarOnline.com. "He felt a lot of pressure hanging over him and has been in a better mental headspace these last few weeks. He is very happy that there have been positive reviews of the album and that fans like it."
The couple's personal life has unfolded under close scrutiny. During the album's recording period, public appearances were rare and often strained. Fans voiced concern over Bieber's erratic social-media activity and apparent struggles with mental health. Hailey, the founder of Rhode Skin, has publicly insisted she remains committed. She "takes it day by day and is very patient," an insider told RadarOnline.com.
Hailey herself dismissed speculation of an impending split in a May interview with Vogue. "Well, I thought seven years in it would've [died down] already, and it hasn't," she said of the persistent rumors. "You would think after having a child, people would maybe move on, chill out a little bit, but no. So I guess these bitches are going to be mad."
The couple, married since 2018, welcomed son Jack Blues last year and renewed their vows at the time of Hailey's pregnancy announcement. Jack's first birthday on Aug. 22 is being celebrated alongside a family trip to Idaho, a favorite getaway spot where the pair has reportedly reconnected.
"There's still work to be done in their marriage," a source told Us Weekly. "But they're in a much better place." The tension, insiders say, has eased with the album behind them. Recent outings, including Kylie Jenner's 28th birthday dinner, suggest the couple is maintaining a united front.
