After years of criticism, Justin Timberlake is apologizing.
On Friday, the pop star shared a statement on Instagram apologizing to both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson for his past behaviour toward them.
![](https://fashionsizzle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SuperBowl38-Some-174.jpg)
Photograph by Ross Dettman
The apology comes amid recent backlash generated by the documentary “Framing Britney Spears”, in which Timberlake is criticized for his 2002 “Cry Me a River” video, inspired by his acrimonious split from the “Baby One More Time” singer and vaguely accusing her of cheating.
“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond,” 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.”
He continued, “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 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 infamously performed with Jackson, at one point pulling off a part of her outfit revealing her dress in what was described as a “wardrobe malfunction.” While Jackson was treated harshly for the incident, Timberlake was largely left alone, and did not take responsibility, as depicted in the documentary.
ICYMI: Following the backlash he received over the #FramingBritneySpears documentary, #JustinTimberlake is apologizing to both #BritneySpears and #JanetJackson in a lengthy Instagram post pic.twitter.com/urgFmVbFEH
— ET Canada (@ETCanada) February 12, 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLMxYbGhTno/