A week after a blockbuster documentary based on Britney Spears broke the internet with the portrayal of how Justin Timberlake behaved with her, the latter, on Friday, apologised for moments he “fell short” and condoned misogyny.
The film, produced by FX and The New York Times, explores the criticism both the media and entertainment industry aimed at Spears, who soared to global fame before publicly suffering a mental health crisis and becoming a paparazzi punching bag in the mid-to-late 2000s, news agency AFP reported.
“Framing Britney Spears” includes audio from a 2002 radio interview in which Timberlake jokes about the couple’s sex life; Spears, for years, was torn over the state of her virginity prior to the break-up.
Timberlake, Spears’ ex-beau, after receiving sharp criticism, in an Instagram post, apologised to Spears and her fans for what he put the singer through.
“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 industry is flawed. 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 recognise 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.”
Spears and Timberlake dated several years around the turn of the millennium, having met as children while cast members of Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Club” variety show.
The popular narrative of their breakup cast Spears as a cheating heartbreaker, offering sympathy to Timberlake especially after he released a revenge fantasy music video for the break-up hit “Cry Me A River.”
