American singer Justin Timberlake apologized to Britney Spears his former girlfriend, claiming that he ‘benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism’
Throughout their relationship and break up, Timberlake was accused of sexism about the way he handled Spears, as well as a show he did with Jackson at the Super Bowl in 2004 where he revealed her breast.
After the screening of the documentary Framing Britney Spears, which revisits his public boasts that he had slept with Spears and his accusations that she cheated on him, people were calling for him to apologize.
Timberlake released his 2002 single Cry Me a River after tabloids pinned their break-up on Spears’ supposed infidelity, where a Spears lookalike was featured in the music video about an unfaithful lover.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, before separating in 2002, Spears and Timberlake were in a partnership.
[quotation]”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.[/quotation]
He added that he felt
[quotation]”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[/quotation]
Timberlake said his industry is flawed, adding:
[quotation]”It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed that 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.”[/quotation]
He said his apology is a
[quotation]first step and doesn’t absolve the past’.
“I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better[/quotation]
