Justin Bieber lashed out at Swedish clothing giant H&M on Monday, claiming it was selling “disgusting” merchandise bearing his name and likeness without his official approval – which the retailer denied.
“I did not endorse any of the products they shared at H&M…all without my permission and approval,” Bieber wrote in an Instagram story, per People. “[Shaking my head] I wouldn’t buy it if I were you.
The ‘Peaches’ singer, 28, who recently celebrated his model wife Hailey Bieber’s 26th birthday, added: “The H&M stuff they did to me is stupid.”
Although it did not specify which items in particular it was referring to, the fast-fashion chain sells knit dresses and tote bags with photos of Bieber’s face. H&M has denied wrongdoing.
The retailer told outlets including Forbes that it “followed the appropriate approval procedures” as it does “with all other licensed products and partnerships.”
H&M did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
A representative for Bieber did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
The Canadian singer has his own clothing line. Launched in 2019 under its secondary name, Drew House is a “community, a place where you can be yourself and be loved, encouraged, safe and cherished”.
Drew House also used a famous likeness in its merchandise, though the sentiment in this case seems to have been positive on both sides. In what was described as a “collaboration” by People, Bieber released a compilation that used photos from Drew Barrymore. He was even photographed by the paparazzi wearing a T-shirt depicting the actor holding ET, the alien from the 1982 film in which he starred as a child.
Barrymore was happy to promote that item on her Instagram page, posting a heart emoji under a photo of Bieber wearing the shirt.
