But the bombshells didn’t stop there. Britney also took the opportunity to accuse
Timberlake of cultural appropriation and acting “black” when it suited him, shedding light on a sensitive topic that has long surrounded the former *NSYNC star.
One of the most glaring instances of Timberlake’s alleged cultural appropriation was the infamous 2004 Super Bowl incident, where he performed alongside Janet Jackson and ripped her dress during the halftime show, exposing her breast. In the aftermath of the incident, while the media vilified Janet Jackson, Timberlake portrayed himself as the victim. This stark contrast in their public treatment spoke volumes about the entertainment industry’s double standards.
It’s worth noting that Justin Timberlake, who had once professed his admiration for the late Michael Jackson, exhibited a willingness to throw Jackson’s sister, Janet, under the bus when it mattered most. He remained silent when Janet’s career took a hit after the Super Bowl incident, whereas he continued to ascend in his career.
The fact that Timberlake had previously admitted to drawing heavy inspiration from Michael Jackson’s music only deepened the perception of his lack of loyalty and respect for the Jackson family. Pharrell Williams even confirmed that many of the songs on Timberlake’s debut album, “Justified,” were initially written for Michael Jackson. This was a revelation that added another layer to the ongoing narrative of Timberlake’s actions.
Fast forward to 2018, when Justin Timberlake announced his plan to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show, and the controversy over cultural appropriation reemerged. His intention to feature a hologram of Prince, despite the legendary artist’s public stance against holograms and even past beef with Timberlake, raised eyebrows.
This incident demonstrated a pattern of Timberlake’s behavior, where he was perceived as cherry-picking elements of black culture when it suited him. He often professed admiration for black artists, only to seemingly abandon their side when faced with the opportunity to support them.
Britney Spears’ memoir has thrust these issues back into the spotlight, and Justin Timberlake’s response did little to mitigate the damage. Rather than addressing the allegations directly, Timberlake’s publicist issued a statement claiming he was focused on his own family and distancing himself from the past. Fans and critics alike found this response lacking, particularly given Timberlake’s history of profiting from the silence of the very woman he dated and painted as the antagonist in their relationship.
As fans point out, it was Justin Timberlake who, for years, brought up their relationship for publicity and used it to advance his own career, even going so far as to discuss their intimate moments in the public eye. However, when the tables turned, and Britney Spears began to speak her truth following years of being silenced under her conservatorship, Timberlake now wants to let the past be the past.
This apparent contradiction has led to fans and observers accusing Timberlake of being hypocritical and opportunistic. The reaction to his response suggests that he has failed to address the allegations adequately and has only further fueled the controversy surrounding his actions. It remains to be seen how this unfolding drama will impact Timberlake’s public image and career.