Justin Timberlake Apologizes to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson
Following the recent Super Bowl LV and the release of the Framing Britney Spears documentary on Hulu, Justin Timberlake has faced an uproar of criticism for his treatment of both Spears and singer Janet Jackson. Today, the "SexyBack" singer issued a public apology on Instagram, while also discussing the issues larger issues that women in the music industry face. He writes, "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 benefitted from a system that condones misogyny and racism."
He continues, "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."
In 2004, Timberlake and Jackson performed together at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. According to Jackson's representatives, as they reached final line of the song ("I'm gonna have you naked by the end of this song"), Timberlake was supposed to rip Jackson's shirt to reveal a red lace bra. Instead, the wardrobe malfunction caused Timberlake to tear away her shirt, revealing her breast. Jackson was vilified in the media for "indecent exposure," and was forced to make a series of public apologies. During the recent Super Bowl, many social media users recalled the incident and the subsequent media frenzy, calling out Timberlake for not addressing his actions or how Jackson was unfairly maligned.
More recently, the singer has come under fire for his relationship with Spears in the late '90s and early '00s. The recent documentary by the New York Times recalls how, during an interview, the former boybander admitted to sleeping with her despite the fact that she had publicly said she was waiting to have sex until marriage. Upon their break-up, he also accused her of cheating on him in the song "Cry Me a River." As a result, media outlets brandished Spears as villainous figure, which the documentary notes by remembering Spears' interview with Diane Sawyer.
In his apology statement, Timberlake addresses the structure of the entertainment industry, and how it allowed these women to fall while he continued to rise. "The industry is flawed," he says. "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 a first step and doesn’t absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports.
"I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better.
