The “Cry Me A River” crooner and Spears dated when they were younger and he’s publicly claimed she cheated on him in the past which brought the relationship to an end. Timberlake made those comments as the “Toxic” singer was going through a mental breakdown and many thought the pot shots were unwarranted at the time.
“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,” Timberlake commented in his Instagram post.
“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.”
The singer also expressed that his apology was only the first step in his amends and that he fully understands that it doesn’t “absolve” him from his past indiscretions.
