Justin Bieber Reveals He Was Celibate For a Year Before Marrying Hailey Baldwin

The Biebers are opening up! In a new, candid interview with Vogue, Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber spoke all things marriage: how their friendship turned into something more, how religion plays a big role in their relationship, and yes, even some cute nicknames (he calls her "baby boo"). But it's Justin's revelation about celibacy that really took fans by surprise. In the interview, the 24-year-old star admits that prior to reconnecting with Hailey in June of 2018, he was celibate for more than a year. He said that he had "a legitimate problem with sex," and abstaining made him feel closer to God.

"He doesn't ask us not to have sex for him because he wants rules and stuff. He's like, 'I'm trying to protect you from hurt and pain,'" Justin said. "I think sex can cause a lot of pain. Sometimes people have sex because they don't feel good enough. Because they lack self-worth. Women do that, and guys do that. I wanted to rededicate myself to God in that way because I really felt it was better for the condition of my soul. And I believe that God blessed me with Hailey as a result. There are perks. You get rewarded for good behaviour."

His reward? Running to a New York City courthouse in September to sign the papers and consummate their relationship. But the reward was also love. "When I saw her last June, I just forgot how much I loved her and how much I missed her and how much of a positive impact she made on my life," Justin said. "I was like, 'Holy cow, this is what I've been looking for.'"

The couple clarify that their marriage hasn't just been sexcapades and date-night serenades — "Marriage is very hard," Hailey said. "It's really effing hard. . . We're two young people who are learning as we go. I'm not going to sit here and lie and say it's all a magical fantasy. It's always going to be hard. It's a choice. You don't feel it every single day. You don't wake up every day saying, 'I'm absolutely so in love and you are perfect.' That's not what being married is."

She added, "But there's something beautiful about it anyway — about wanting to fight for something, commit to building with someone. We're really young, and that's a scary aspect. We're going to change a lot. But we're committed to growing together and supporting each other in those changes. That's how I look at it. At the end of the day, too, he's my best friend. I never get sick of him."