Justin Timberlake Posts Apology To Britney Spears And Janet Jackson

Singer Justin Timberlake has posted a statement to his Instagram account in which he apologes to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.

The statement reads: "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.

"I specifically want to apologise 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."

The comments section of his social media had recently been flooded with people applying pressure for him to apologise, after his 2002 breakup with ex-partner Spears was re-examined as part of The New York Times' Framing Britney Spears documentary.

The documentary primarily looks at Spears' conservatorship, under which her father Jamie had control over her estate, career and some parts of her personal life, but also explored her judgmental and often sexist treatment at the hands of the media.

Timberlake and Spears began dating in 1999, when both were in their teens, but rumours persisted that she had cheated on him - a narrative he more than hinted at in the video for his 2002 single 'Cry Me A River', having also bragged on radio about taking her virginity.

Timberlake's apology to Jackson, however, refers to the 2004 Super Bowl half time show, in which he pulled back part of her costume to reveal her breast.

The incident sparked a public outcry at the time, as well as an investigation by the The Federal Communications Commission.

While many commentators suggested it was a planned publicity stunt, Jackson later issued an apology which read: "I am really sorry if I offended anyone, that was truly not my intention."

Samantha Stark, producer-director of Framing Britney Spears, told Variety that she had not approached Timberlake for comment regarding his treatment of Spears in the wake of their break-up.

She told the publication: "We didn't ask Justin Timberlake for comment, just like we didn't ask a number of other people who appear in archival footage for comment.

"Interviewees make points about the media coverage surrounding the breakup ... Unlike other people who we did ask for comment, we don't make any allegations against Justin. We simply let the footage play."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears

Will Fitzpatrick

Will Fitzpatrick is a Subeditor at LADbible. Will graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BA in English Language and Literature, and has previously worked as music editor at The Skinny North. He has written for a variety of publications including Clash, The Fly, The Line of Best Fit and Razorcake.