Justin Timberlake apologizes to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson: "I know I failed"

E! Online

This morning, Timberlake took to Instagram to respond to the backlash over Framing Britney Spears -- backlash that also resurfaced his role in the Janet Jackson Super Bowl Nipplegate incident. "I've seen the messages, tags, comments and concerns and I want to respond," he began. "I am deeply sorry for the time 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." He added: "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. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I whole heartedly want to be part of and grow from." Timberlake also acknowledged his own white privilege. "The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men up for success," he wrote. "As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this." Timberlake wrote in an Instagram post on Friday. "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. I have not been perfect in navigating this throughout my career. I know this apology is a first step and does not 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."