Justin Timberlake in Los Angeles in May 2022.Photo:Jerod Harris/Getty
Jerod Harris/Getty
Justin Timberlakeis seemingly trying to move on from any drama.
While performing an hour-long set to a star-studded audience at the opening of theFontainebleau in Las Vegason Wednesday night, the pop star, 42, offered a brief disclaimer before singing his 2002 breakup ballad “Cry Me a River.”
Released as the second single off hisdebut solo albumJustified, “Cry Me a River"includes lyrics about infidelity, and an accompanying music video released the same year features a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Spears.
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears during Super Bowl XXXVI in February 2002.Denise Trusc / Getty
“I felt there was no way at the time to tellmy side of the story,” Spears wrote in her memoir. “I couldn’t explain, because I knew no one would take my side once Justin had convinced the world of his version. I don’t think Justin realized the power he had in shaming me. I don’t think he understands to this day.”
Spears and Timberlake dated for several years before calling it quits in March 2002. In his2018 bookHindsight, Timberlake wrote that his “strong” feelings at the time pushed him to write the song in two hours.
“I’ve been scorned. I’ve been pissed off. That feeling inspired me to write ‘Cry Me a River,'” he wrote at the time.
In February 2021,Timberlake publicly apologizedfor his treatment of Spears afterfacing backlashfrom fans.
“I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others … 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,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post after the release ofFraming Britney Spears, an unauthorizedNew York Timesdocumentary that included, in part, a section exploring his former relationship with Spears and the fall-out from Timberlake and Jackson’s 2004 Super Bowl set.
During his headlining set at the invite-only opening, Timberlake sang his biggest hits, including “SexyBack,” “Like I Love You,” “Suit and Tie” and more.
Afterwards, Timberlake joined other celebrities — including Tom Brady, Cher and more — to roll the first dice as the property opened doors to the public at midnight.
Timberlake and Biel then continued the celebrations at LIV nightclub, where they held court behind the DJ booth mingling with friends.
source: people.com
