Story perspectives

Biebers Demand TikTok Star Cease Allegations, Claims Defamation

1/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber sent a cease and desist letter to TikTok creator Julie Theis over her allegations.
The letter, obtained by TMZ, calls Theis' statements “outrageous false, fabricated, and defamatory.”
Theis claims her videos are opinion-based and says the Biebers are silencing free speech.
She continues posting, arguing that disagreement should not be defamation.

History

Historical Context

The 1964 Supreme Court case New York Times v. Sullivan established that public officials must prove "actual malice" to win defamation suits, significantly protecting free speech under the First Amendment. This landmark ruling arose from a controversial advertisement criticizing Alabama police during the civil rights movement, and its principles continue to influence contemporary defamation disputes, including the recent case involving TikTok creator Julie Theis.

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Story summary

Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber sent a cease and desist letter to TikTok creator Julie Theis over her allegations.
The letter, obtained by TMZ, calls Theis' statements “outrageous false, fabricated, and defamatory.”
Theis claims her videos are opinion-based and says the Biebers are silencing free speech.
She continues posting, arguing that disagreement should not be defamation.

1 / 2