US singer Justin Timberlake has apologised to his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears after a new documentary accused him of sexism and misogyny during their relationship which led to backlash.
Timberlake also apologized to Janet Jackson, after failing to support her after their Super Bowl performance which led to a controversy in 2004.
The new documentary, “Framing Britney Spears,” is a Britney Spears documentary, which focuses on the conservatorship she has been under since 2008 but also more addressed the way she has been judged by the media and people.
Timberlake and other public figures including journalist Diane Sawyer, who told the singer in a 2003 interview that she had “disappointed a lot of mothers”, and gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who had the coverage of her breakdown in 2007.
Apologizing to the Spears and Jackson, Timberlake wrote;
“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.”
