Justin Timberlake apologizes to his former girlfriend, Britney Spears, and Janet Jackson, but he has declined to say what he is sorry for.
The singer, who has been under pressure since the release of the Framing Britney Spears documentary, took to his Instagram account on Friday, where he shared a lengthy statement/apology to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.
Timberlake’s impressive musical career has been stained by two humiliating periods involving Spears and Jackson.
Justin Timberlake has been criticized for mishandling his split from Spears — many fans blame him for her meltdowns that followed because he villainized her in his songs and interviews.
Jackson’s career took a turn for the worse after the Super Bowl halftime show’s controversial “wardrobe malfunction.”
The crooner is often bashed for how he handled the fallout from the infamous 2004 performance where Timberlake ripped off Jackson’s bodice and exposed her right breast.
Justin Timberlake stated: “I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns, and I want to respond. 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.”
The former leader of NSYNC went on to say: “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. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from.”
He concluded by: “The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way. As a man in a privileged position, I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life, but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career. I know this apology is the first step and doesn’t absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my missteps in all of this and be part of a world that uplifts and supports. I care deeply about the well-being of the people I love and have loved. I can do better, and I will do better.”
Jessica Biel was quick to react to the apology that her husband, Justin Timberlake, issued to the pop icons. In the comment section of Timberlake’s message, Biel wrote: “I love you. ❤️”
Biel is getting bashed for her reaction. One person said: “I Hope he humiliates you more often.”
Another music fan angrily explained: “How ignorant you both are for putting on this shit show! He was cheating on you, and do you forgot that? Honey support women’s not that misogynist that you call husband.”
This woman offered Biel some ideas: “@jessicabiel, convince him to do this: @justintimberlake, then offer your team’s legal services to aid Britney’s in getting her out of her situation. Seriously. A powerhouse of attorneys that will stand up for our girl… who was once your girl… and tell a judge this is not okay. Strength in numbers, my friend. And actions speak louder than words. Well, forgive when we see the effort and the assistance you give her. We will forgive when there’s action.”
For many people on social media, the apology was not enough.
