Justin Timberlake apologized to both his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, with whom he performed during the Super Bowl Half-Time Show in 2004.
“I have seen the messages, labels, comments and concerns and want to respond,” Timberlake wrote on Instagram. “I am deeply sorry for the times in my life in which my actions contributed to the problem, where I in turn spoke or did not speak about what was right.”
“I understand that in these moments and in many others, I have fallen short and benefited from a system that endorses misogyny and racism,” he added. “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, both separately, because I care about these women and respect them, and I know I have failed.”
Timberlake was criticized for his treatment of Spears after the release of a New York Times documentary following her fame and legal battle. Spears and Timberlake date from 1999 to 2002. According to the film, Timberlake portrayed her as unfaithful in the press and with his music video ‘Cry Me a River’ from 2002 after the divorce of the couple.
Timberlake is being panned for years for Jackson’s initial defense, which was widely blamed for the infamous wardrobe of her wardrobe that exposed her chest during the Super Bowl halftime program in 2004. The incident paralyzed Jackson’s career and it took Timberlake several years. taken to Jackson’s defense in public.
“I was not perfect at navigating it all through my career,” Timberlake said Friday. “I know this excuse is a first step and does not absolve the past. I want to take responsibility for my own mistakes in all these things, and also be part of a world that uplifts and supports.”