The Elizabethtown College Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is set to host a peace talk between Hailey Bieber and Selena Gomez. The two were recently involved in online drama, which came to a head on TikTok and Instagram.
The OSA marketing staff has recently been trying to find interesting events for the student body, and jokingly suggested the event. Social media manager Sarah Moscoso reached out via Instagram to both Bieber and Gomez.
“We didn’t think anything of it, but then a few days later we got a message back from Selena’s publicity team and scheduled a Zoom meeting,” OSA marketing coordinator Jocelyn Itterly said. “We didn’t release this information to the campus because Hailey’s publicity team was skeptical to partake in this.”
Since Etown is a small school, Itterly theorized that both celebrities wanted a break from the larger public eye, knowing that their target audience is college-aged students.
What about the man who started it all? There may be an appearance from Justin Bieber, who dated Gomez on and off from 2011-2018, then married Hailey Bieber just four months after the split.
“Out of contract policies, all we can say is that Hailey’s agent requested to bring a ‘special guest,’” Itterly said. “I’m assuming the conversation will have a portion directly related to Justin, but OSA is not allowed to create any of the questions.”
There is a possibility that things could turn violent—while the two are connected on Instagram again, there’s no telling what Gomez did during her social media break.
“I don’t really think things will go south but in the event that they do, we have Campus Security and two different outside sourced security patrolling as well,” Itterly said.
Students will be required to show their ID and go through a security check upon entrance into Leffler Chapel, the venue for the event. A Campus Security officer will be stationed at each aisle.
Once in Leffler, students will hear from a familiar face.
“Willy from Dining Services is going to be the moderator of the session,” Itterly said. “We thought it would be an even more memorable experience if we had an iconic staff member participate.”
While the specific date of the event hasn’t been announced, students that can’t make it will be able to watch the event virtually.
“Given that the talk will be televised, I really believe our campus will be advertised excellently,” Itterly said. “If I saw some random school that Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber talked at, I would absolutely schedule a visit and make it a priority to check the campus out. There has to be some sort of credibility if two celebrities are willing to come.”
That is, at least two celebrities. While booking the travel expenses, OSA noted that a candlelit dinner for two was requested.
“I’m not saying Justin will be there, but I don’t think Selena and Hailey are going to have a candlelit dinner,” she said. “I expect everyone to wear their JB merch around campus the day of the event.”
A surprise musical number may also play. Gomez’s agent requested extra sound and tech equipment, pointing to a possible performance.
“My question for the students is: are you Team Selena or Team Hailey? Choose wisely,” Itterly said.
Students that got wind of the event provided their thoughts.
“I’m glad that we’re fostering a space for healthy and open communication,” sophomore Elizabeth Petlick said. “We should bet to know all sides of the story before we jump to conclusions.” She added, “But Team Selena.”
Petlick’s friend seemed to share at least part of her opinion.
“That is the dumbest event that I have ever heard of,” sophomore Elena Kenvin said. “Team Selena all the way, though!”
The event is free and open to all Etown students, and students are encouraged to post about the event with either #teamhailey or #teamselena to show their support.
