Justin Timberlake Adds Disclaimer Before Performing Anti-Britney Spears Hit, 'Cry Me A River'

By Emily Richardson | Celebrity | December 15, 2023 |

By Emily Richardson | Celebrity | December 15, 2023 |

Justin Timberlake has been laying low since Britney Spears released her memoir, The Woman in Me, back in October. The book was not a good look for ol’ JT. See: Britney’s abortion, that Ginuwine moment, Justin’s cheating, his decision to throw Britney under the bus to launch his solo career, and the many times he slut-shamed her.

As we all know, The Woman in Me was a massive hit, and the Justin Timberlake backlash was swift. While the 42-year-old singer didn’t explicitly comment on the controversy, a pro-Justin source (so, his people) told Entertainment Tonight that Justin and wife Jessica Biel “just want everyone to grow and evolve instead of continuing to bring up the past.” Ew. The following week, the entire family “fled” (snort) to Mexico for a vacation.

Then, this past Wednesday, Justin and Jessica made their official return to the public eye. Justin headlined the invite-only opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a new luxury hotel on the Vegas Strip. He performed his biggest hits for celebs like Cher, Tom Brady, Kim Kardashian, Ivanka Trump, and Lenny Kravitz. He opened with “Sexyback”, followed by “Like I Love You”, “Rock Your Body”, “Señorita”, “Suit and Tie”, and… “Cry Me a River”. Huh. He ended the show with “Mirrors”.

Why, oh why, would Justin perform “Cry Me a River” for his first show since the memoir? That’s the big slut-shaming single that Britney says sent her into a downward spiral back in 2002. Justin literally cast a Britney look-a-like to play his cheating ex in the music video! For the record, Britney admits to making out with choreographer Wade Robson once during their relationship, but accuses Justin of sleeping with several other women (she chose to turn a blind eye). So his whole “I’m a victim, woe is me” narrative in the song is pretty damn rich.

Still, Justin chose to perform “Cry Me a River” on Wednesday night. But he’s not that clueless, OK? He had to have known it would be controversial. Which is why, this time around, Justin added a little disclaimer addressing the Britney controversy. As the opening bars played, he turned to the audience, and said, “No disrespect.” Here’s the video:

@chynnatok @Justin Timberlake ♬ original sound - chynna

Um … does he think that covers it? Jesus. The more Justin opens his mouth, the more he comes off as an out-of-touch egomaniac. Sure, he Instagram-apologized to Britney and Janet Jackson back in 2021 after their respective documentaries reminded everyone what a misogynist he is, but he still doesn’t seem to get it. And that’s exactly what Britney wrote in her book:

“I felt there was no way at the time to tell my side of the story. 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.”

Based on his behavior these past couple of months, Justin will never understand what he put Britney through. His ego simply can’t handle the fact that he is not the victim. That he actually deserves all the backlash he’s getting. Well, boohoo, bitch. We see right through you.