
On Friday, Justin Timberlake apologized for his misogynistic handling of his 2002 breakup with Britney Spears, which was highlighted in the New York Times’ earth-shattering documentary “Framing Britney Spears.” In a statement posted to Instagram, Timberlake apologized directly to Britney and Janet Jackson, the latter of whom suffered from a Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction during their joint halftime show in 2004, which derailed her career but left Timberlake unscathed.
Timberlake wrote, “I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.”
He continued, “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the the 28th Annual American Music Awards in 2001.
The documentary has forced a long-overdue reckoning on the system that elevated Britney to stardom while exerting an unreasonable amount of control over her life and image. From the sexist media machine that lasciviously peered into Britney’s personal life to our collective ignorance about mental health struggles, no figure emerged from the documentary unscathed. In the fallout, fans and stars alike have shared messages of support while demanding accountability from those who harmed the pop singer.
One such figure is Justin Timberlake, who dated Britney for three years until the duo split in 2002. In the aftermath of their breakup, the media portrayed Britney as the harlot who broke Timberlake’s heart, with even Diane Sawyer going so far to say that Britney caused him “so much pain, so much suffering.” Timberlake, on the other hand, profited from their breakup, boasted about his sexual exploits with Britney on the radio, and used his “pain” as fodder for his hit song “Cry Me A River.”
Read the full statement below.
A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake)
A photo posted by on
Zoe Guy is the digital fellow at Marie Claire, where she covers pop culture, hot celebrity gossip, movies and TV. She’s obsessed with Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of The Age of Innocence, anything written by Jesmyn Ward and stan Twitter.
-
Worth It: Loewe's Gradient Puzzle Bag
The signature puzzle-piece purse has three new colors.
By Sara Holzman
-
How to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Painful, According to Experts
It all starts with preparation.
By Samantha Holender
-
Miley Cyrus, Millennial, Shows Side Parts Can Still Be Cool With Hair Transformation
No! Beauty! Rules!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Alicia Keys on Her Upcoming Album 'Keys,' Life Lessons From Her Mom, and More
The singer opened up during a special panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein