After social media called for Justin Timberlake to apologize for past actions that have harmed Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, the musician issued a statement on his Instagram account saying he is “deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem.”
Timberlake posted the apology message on Friday in the wake of the new Britney Spears documentary as well as the Superbowl, as people were recalling his past behavior.
In the Spears documentary, he is portrayed as someone who was callous and threw Spears under the bus. Similarly, when people reflect on his Superbowl performance, they wonder what he could have done to prevent Janet Jackson from being castigated after the infamous “wardrobe malfunction.”
“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.”
“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,” Timberlake said. “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 a part of and grow from.”
“It’s designed this way. As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this,” he said. “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 ever again.”
Nearly 20 years after his actions — and silence — caused harm, Justin Timberlake has publicly apologized to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. pic.twitter.com/yf8faIN42E
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) February 12, 2021
“I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career,” Timberlake added. “I know this apology is a first step and doesn’t absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my 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 will do better.”
Lead image: Instagram