Jennifer Lawrence is a force to be reckoned with, both on-screen and off. Known for her powerful performances, especially in The Hunger Games, Lawrence has captivated audiences with her versatility. But it’s her no-nonsense attitude and unfiltered honesty that often make headlines. One such moment came in 2015 when Justin Bieber, one of the most famous musicians on the planet, openly gushed over her. What followed, however, was not the mutual admiration one might expect.
Justin Bieber’s Admiration for Jennifer Lawrence: “She’s So Sexy”
Justin Bieber is no stranger to expressing his thoughts and feelings publicly, but when he appeared on Capital FM in 2015, he caught everyone by surprise by revealing a celebrity crush. During a light-hearted game of “To Bae or Not to Bae,” the pop icon didn’t hold back when asked if he would “Bae” Jennifer Lawrence.
“Oh yeah, [she’s] bae fasho. 100 percent. She’s sooo sexy …. She’s unbelievable. She’s so cute,”
Bieber declared, clearly infatuated with the Hunger Games star.
For any fan, hearing such admiration from Bieber himself would be a dream come true. But Jennifer Lawrence had a very different response up her sleeve.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Epic “Hard No” to Bieber’s Compliment
Shortly after Bieber’s public declaration, Jennifer Lawrence was asked about the pop star’s comments during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. A fan eagerly called in to ask if she would ever “tap that,” referring to Bieber’s affectionate words.
Without missing a beat, Lawrence responded with her signature wit and honesty:
“I’m going to say a hard ‘no,’”
she stated, with a little smile that softened the blow but still left no room for misinterpretation.
While many might have swooned over Bieber’s praise, Lawrence’s direct answer set the tone: she wasn’t fazed by flattery, even from one of the world’s biggest pop stars. She did, however, politely add a “thanks,” which seemed to close the matter with a touch of grace, but not without leaving Bieber—and the audience—speechless.
High-Profile Celebrities, Separate Paths
Though this interaction made headlines, both stars were already navigating their own personal lives. At the time, Justin Bieber was in an on-and-off relationship with Selena Gomez. By 2018, he ended things with Gomez for good and rekindled his romance with Hailey Baldwin. The couple wasted no time, getting engaged within two months and marrying shortly after. Hailey Bieber, as she’s now known, has been by his side ever since.
Jennifer Lawrence, meanwhile, had her own romantic rollercoaster. Around the same time Bieber expressed his admiration for her, Lawrence was dating filmmaker Darren Aronofsky, though their relationship ended in 2017. It wasn’t long after that she met art dealer Cooke Maroney. Their relationship moved at a more gradual pace, eventually culminating in their engagement in early 2019 and a beautiful wedding later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, Cy, in 2022.
Lawrence’s Rejection: A Testament to Her Confidence
Jennifer Lawrence’s refusal to be flattered or swayed by Bieber’s words speaks to her self-assurance. In an industry where public figures often feel pressure to reciprocate admiration, Lawrence’s firm “no” was a refreshing reminder of her authenticity. She didn’t need to sugarcoat her feelings, even for a pop superstar worth $300 million.
Her directness has always been part of her charm, from her candid interviews to her unapologetic stance on everything from Hollywood pay gaps to her personal relationships. It’s no surprise, then, that when faced with Bieber’s gushing compliments, she stuck to her guns and said exactly what was on her mind.
While the Bieber-Lawrence saga may have been a fleeting moment in pop culture, it highlighted a stark difference between these two celebrities. Justin Bieber, ever the romantic, openly admires those he finds attractive. Jennifer Lawrence, on the other hand, remains unbothered by the glitz and glamour, focused on what matters most to her.
In the end, both stars have continued to thrive in their respective careers and relationships. But one thing remains clear: Jennifer Lawrence’s “hard no” will forever be remembered as one of her most iconic moments of shutting down Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs.