Fans have been flooding social media with messages of support for Britney Spears following the release of The New York Times’ documentary Framing Britney Spears, which pretty much reset the cultural narrative on the pop icon’s meteoric rise to fame and how she ended up in a conservatorship. The doc also shone the spotlight on her past relationships – and many were not happy with the way Britney’s ex, Justin Timberlake, handled their 2002 breakup at the time, with many arguing that JT contributed to why Britney was painted in such a negative light after the breakup.
The blast from the past also ended up reminding many of JT and Janet Jackson’s controversial Halftime Time Show in 2004, with many also calling him out for the way he handled the situation then – only Janet came under fire for the infamous “wardrobe malfunction.”
On Friday (February 12), Justin went on social media and posted a notes app statement apologizing to both Britney and Janet:
“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 apologize 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 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 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.”
Long-time fans, friends and loved ones took to the comments section of his post to show their support for the “Mirrors” singer for speaking out.
“I love you.❤️,” wife Jessica Biel wrote.
Brandi Carlile commented that it was “really beautiful to read this.”
“I think it’s going to speak to a lot of people’s pain,” she continued. “I can’t wait to see how you get involved with elevating women and marginalized people. You’re an inspiring dude to me.”
Chris Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, also wrote, “Proud to call you [my] friend!”
Following his apology, fans also went on social media to show their support for the female icons – including Tinashe, who tweeted: “Anyone who knows me knows Britney Spears and Janet Jackson are literally my two biggest idols in the whole universe and I just hope they know how much they mean to me/us.”
Responding to a fan, Tinashe also shared that, “The velvet rope album is my favorite album of all time” – which totally got a reply from Janet herself, who reacted with a black heart emoji and a hug emoji.
And Tinashe expressed her love for Janet, writing back, “We love you, Queen,” along with a crown emoji and red heart emoji.
On Saturday (February 13), Janet herself went on twitter to share video message for fans, thanking them for their support – her 1986 album, Control, topped the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart again last week.
“I was at home just the other day by myself and I began to cry. I was crying because I was so thankful for all that God has blessed me with,” she began. “All that he has given me and I’m so thankful for him being in my life, and I’m so thankful for all of you being in my life.”
“You’re so special to me and I want to thank all of you for making Control No. 1 once again after 35 years,” she continued. “I never, never in a million years, I would never think that this would happen. I really appreciate you and I love you so, so much. Thank you.”
While it’s not a direct response to any of the JT drama going on, fans believe it’s a subtle hint that Janet is definitely aware of what’s going on, and appears she prefers to keep her thoughts and feelings to herself.
As for Britney, a source told Entertainment Tonight that the “Oops! I Did It Again” singer is aware of the unauthorized documentary – but “has no interest in getting involved with any details being discussed about her past relationship with Justin Timberlake.”
“She wouldn’t want her fans to speak negatively about him because she has the utmost respect for both Justin and his wife [Jessica Biel]. She laughed about how people are talking about it now. It happened so long ago,” the source said.
Britney and Janet are yet to respond to requests for comments.
