Hailey Bieber turned heads and set social media ablaze on Monday night (May 5) when she walked the 2025 Met Gala red carpet alone and with a martini in hand.

The Rhode founder made a grand return to fashion's biggest night after skipping the Met Gala in 2023 and 2024. Her solo appearance marked her first since welcoming her son, Jack Blues Bieber, with her husband, Justin Bieber, in August 2024. But while fans were celebrating her sleek return, they couldn't help but wonder: where was Justin?

Styled by Karla Welch, Hailey channeled understated glamour in a sharp Saint Laurent micro blazer dress, dripping in Old Hollywood vibes with a modern edge. The barely-there black mini jacket featured strong, sculpted shoulders and double-breasted tailoring that played into the evening's theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Met Gala 2025 (@metgalaofficial_)

She paired the blazer with sheer black tights and platform peep-toe heels, keeping the look monochromatic and effortlessly chic. Her timeless Tiffany & Co. diamonds added a touch of sparkle, while her beauty look balanced the bold structure with soft romance: dewy skin, tousled curls, and her signature glossy nude lip.

But the real accessory that had everyone talking? A dirty martini. Hailey was spotted leaving NYC's Carlyle Hotel en route to the Met with the cocktail in hand — a move fans instantly dubbed the "Martini Mom Era." It was bold, relaxed, and entirely in step with her post-baby confidence.

While Hailey was all smiles on the carpet, Justin Bieber was noticeably missing, and fans across social media have been scrambling to piece together the reason behind his absence. Here are five fan theories making the rounds. 

1. He's Prioritizing Mental Health Again

@biebersgoodside They say he's crashing out when he's just a human being who's been stalked every day for the past 16 years. #justinbieber #biebertiktok #bieberfever #belieber #celebrity ♬ Lonely - Justin Bieber & benny blanco

Over the past few years, the hitmaker has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He's previously stepped back from public events and touring to focus on his mental wellness. With the intensity of the Met Gala spotlight and paparazzi frenzy, it's possible Bieber opted out to protect his peace and avoid overwhelming environments.

Evidence: No posts or photos of him in NYC. 

2. He's in Full Dad Mode

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

Jack Blues Bieber is just nine months old, and some fans think Bieber may have chosen to stay home for dad duty. With Hailey stepping back into the spotlight, fans speculate Justin wanted to give her the moment while staying behind with their son.

Evidence: Hailey was seen leaving The Carlyle alone, and neither has posted any recent photos of the baby, suggesting they're keeping things extremely private.

3. Avoiding Controversy After Viral Video

@parismatch #justinbieber #haileybieber #haileybaldwin #tiktokmusic #rhode ♬ BIRDS OF A FEATHER - jessica

Just weeks before the Met Gala, a viral clip made headlines showing Justin allegedly smoking from a bong during a night out in L.A. Though the footage sparked minimal official comment, some fans believe the couple is taking steps to limit public appearances together while the dust settles.

Evidence: Gossip accounts have since hinted at "brand strategy adjustments" for Bieber as he builds his fashion line, Skylrk.

4. Working on His New Business

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skylrk.crew (@skylrk.crew)

Bieber has been quietly working on Skylrk, a sleek streetwear-meets-skate line he soft-launched in March 2025. With the brand's official campaign shoot reportedly happening in Malibu the same week as the Met, fans believe he may have skipped the gala to stay focused on building his new business from the ground up.

Evidence: A now-deleted Instagram Story from a stylist showed Bieber on set with clothing racks just two days before the gala.

5. He Wanted Hailey to Have Her Moment

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

Some fans believe there's no drama at all – Bieber may have chosen to skip the high-pressure event to let Hailey shine solo. The martini moment, the power blazer, the post-baby glow – it was all very calculated (in the best way).

Evidence: A source told People, "Hailey is stepping back into fashion on her own terms – this was her night." Plus, Bieber has skipped the Met Gala before, and the two are known for doing their own thing.

Despite his absence, the singer-songwriter still made headlines without even showing up. And Hailey? She reminded the world she's not just a fashion girl, but a trend-setter redefining what post-baby red carpet confidence looks like.

What is your fan theory? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by sending us a message on social media. 

Photo Credit: @metgalaofficial_on Instagram.