Justin Bieber celebrated his 17th birthday with presumed girlfriend Selena Gomez last night at Maggiano's Restaurant in LA. In some of the paparazzi pictures that resulted, a red bump is visible on Gomez's lip. While we assumed it was just a late-winter cold sore, many Justin Bieber fans grabbed onto a darker explanation: Selena had been punched in the face by a jealous Bieber fan.

The believability of this is telling. #sorryjustin trended on Twitter as thousands of Beliebers gossiped about the supposed incident. Many reveled in Selena's pain. Here's one typically gleeful Belieber reaction: "Selena Gomez was punched in the face? Hahahahahaha." Tweeted another: "U GO THE BELIEBER WHO PUNCHED SELENA IN THA FACE!!! U GO GHURLLLL!!!!! PUNCHHER HARDER NEXT TIME:):):) LOL." Buzz over a possible video of Selena getting punched in the face soared almost as high as that surrounding Justin Bieber's own 3D movie.

Still, Selena has plenty of support among the Beliebers, and many were dismayed by the news: "Cant believe a 'belieber' punched selena yesterday. Stop being so immature and be happy for justin and selena #sorryjustin #sorryselena." Said another: "OH i feel so bad for Bieber and Selena, a fan punched her because she's dating him. #disrespectful!"

In the end, the Twitter buzz spilled over into the tabloids, with a rep telling People there was 'absolutely no truth' to the rumor. And a hundred thousand Beliebers slept soundly that night, knowing there was still a chance, no matter how small, that they could be the first to punch their idol's girlfriend.

[Images via Pacific Coast News]