Justin Timberlake issues public apology to Britney Spears, Janet Jackson

Justin Timberlake’s grovelling public apology to two famous women has been met with a tidal wave of criticism from fans.

After Justin Timberlake issued an apology to ex-girlfriend Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, fans weren’t as quick to forgive.

Despite admitting that he “fell short” and “benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism,” fans were quick to point out that his apology only came amid public backlash following the release of the bombshell documentary Framing Britney Spears.

Others also claimed Janet Jackson deserved an apology years ago, not one that’s “3 decades too late”.

Let's normalize calling Justin Timberlake garbage with no further explanations needed. He has a new movie coming out (Chile he's still trying to make his acting career happen) to get good press/publicity in time for award season. That Janet Jackson apology is 3 decades late. pic.twitter.com/Agx4qNU3fv

— Viva La Divahhh (@SlutFromDee90s) February 12, 2021

I’m not going to forgive #JustinTimberlake anytime soon, especially since he’s only apologising because of all the pressure that’s been put on him. I would have respected him a lot more if he had come forward of his own accord.#FreeBritney #janetjacksonappreciationday pic.twitter.com/2JbsrwoDBz

— David Opie 🌈 (@DavidOpie) February 12, 2021

Fuck Justin Timberlake 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 and his twenty years too fucking late apology pic.twitter.com/Wvn7wWUIML

— Lashanda Walker (@majesticbeauty5) February 12, 2021

Justin Timberlake has only issued an apology to Britney Spears & Janet Jackson because of the backlash he’s been getting,in my opinion it’s too little too late,he’s vile tbh & no fake ass apology will ever make up for his shitty behaviour. #BritneySpears #FramingBritneySpears pic.twitter.com/tUyYdY7viC

— Josh (@Joshlovesit19) February 12, 2021

Justin Timberlake thinks a short notes app apology is accountability for the pain he caused Britney and Janet......the audacity of men😭😭

— Partna Ë£ (@onlychloexhalle) February 12, 2021

Timberlake, 40, posted the lengthy message on Instagram, owning up to his “ignorance” surrounding the media treatment of Spears following his break-up with the Toxic singer, after the release of the documentary.

He also addressed the coverage surrounding his 2004 Super Bowl performance with Jackson in which she suffered a nip slip.

“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,” he wrote after fans slammed him over his treatment of Spears following their 2002 break-up after getting together in 1999.

RELATED: Most shocking moments from Framing Britney Spears

JT and Spears were America’s sweethearts at the turn of the millennium. Picture: LUCY NICHOLSON / AFP

“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,” he said.

Timberlake’s Cry Me A River video pushed a narrative that Spears, 39, cheated on him and broke his heart. Diane Sawyer grilled Spears on the narrative in a 2003 interview that brought the singer to tears. The clip resurfaced in Framing Britney Spears.

RELATED: How Timberlake escaped Super Bowl backlash while Janet’s career floundered

Justin and Janet’s infamous Super Bowl performance.

Meanwhile, Jackson fans have accused him of throwing the singer under the bus after their infamous 2004 Super Bowl performance, where he exposed her breast on stage. Jackson’s career took a major hit, with CBS’ Les Moonves reportedly blackballing her while Timberlake’s burgeoning solo career soared.

In 2006, he told MTV: “If you consider it 50-50, then I probably got 10 per cent of the blame. I think America is harsher on women. I think America is unfairly harsh on ethnic people.”

That same year, Jackson, 54, told Oprah she believes Timberlake did leave her hanging.

“All the emphasis was put on me, not on Justin. We were friends … And I’m very loyal and friendship is very important to me, and certain things you just don’t do to friends,” she said.

A source close to Timberlake told us his apology to Jackson and Spears is genuine.

“He did this on his own, and it’s really from the heart. This isn’t about publicity,” the source said.

TIMBERLAKE’S LAST APOLOGY

Justin Timberlake and wife Jessica Biel. Picture: Getty

In December 2019, Timberlake issued a similarly public apology to his wife, actress Jessica Biel, after candid photos showed him in a cosy moment with co-star Alisha Wainwright, describing it as a “strong lapse in judgement”.

Timberlake was seen sitting on a balcony in New Orleans and holding hands with Wainwright, who at one point was resting her hand on his knee.

In a statement released via Instagram, Timberlake apologised to his “amazing wife and family” for putting them through such an “embarrassing situation” – but insisted that nothing else had occurred between himself and Wainwright.

“I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it is important to address recent rumours that are hurting the people I love,” Timberlake wrote.

“A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement – but let me be clear – nothing happened between me and my co-star. I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour.

“I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologise to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that.”

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.

Originally published as Justin Timberlake issues public apology to Britney Spears, Janet Jackson