From Harper’s BAZAAR
Since then The New York Times released the Framing Britney Spears documentary earlier this month, celebrities have been called. Spears fans created the hashtag #WeAreSorryBritney on social media to share clips from the media and people who have mistreated her over the years. Justin Timberlake was one of those people.
Spears and Timberlake dated notoriously from 1999 to 2002 and their breakup was widely covered in the media. Timberlake is facing criticism about how he came up with a Spears narrative being a cheater and the one to blame for the breakup. Also, let’s not forget how he exposed Janet Jackson’s nipple on camera during his performance at Super Bowl 2004 and did not defend it when she was publicly embarrassed about it.
Timberlake recently apologized in an Instagram post and his wife, Jessica Biel, is supporting him during the controversy. She left an encouraging comment: “I love you. ❤️.”
You can read his full statement below:
I saw the messages, tags, comments and concerns and I want to respond. I deeply regret the moments in my life when my actions contributed to the problem, when I spoke out of turn or did not defend what was right. I understand that I have failed at these times and at many others and have benefited from a system that tolerates misogyny and racism.
I want to apologize specifically to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson individually, because I care and respect these women and I know I failed.
I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and more importantly, because this is a broader conversation in which I wholeheartedly wish to be a part and grow …
The industry is flawed. This sets men, especially whites, to success. It is designed this way. As a man in a privileged position, I have to talk about it. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize everything that happened while it was happening in my own life, but I never want to benefit from others being pulled down again.
I was not perfect at navigating all of this throughout my career. I know that this apology is a first step and does not absolve the past. I want to take responsibility for my own mistakes in all of this, as well as being part of a world that uplifts and supports.
I care deeply about the well-being of the people I love and loved. I can do better and I will do better.
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