Justin Timberlake has extended a public apology to both Janet Jackson and Britney Spears in a lengthy Instagram post.
On Friday (February 12), JT surprised fans with what many believed was a long-overdue apology to the two legendary pop stars, with whom Timberlake has been infamously connected in past pop culture scandals.
“I’ve seen the message, 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 no 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.”
With regards to Spears and Jackson, respectively, Timberlake added: “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.”
“This industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success,” the “SexyBack” singer admitted. “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 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,” Timberlake added, concluding, “I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better.”
For Spears, the apology comes in the wake of Framing Britney Spears, a new documentary that laid bare the emotional and mental health struggles the pop star experienced amid her rise to stardom as well as her infamous breakup with the *NSYNC singer.
For Jackson, Timberlake’s apologetic statement comes 17 years after the public fallout and backlash the “Control” superstar faced following her controversial Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime show involving Timberlake, who many believed left Jackson to fend for herself in the press ever since.
Read Justin Timberlake’s entire message below.
Photo: Getty Images