Justin Timberlake Finally Apologized to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson

One week after the release of the explosive documentary Framing Britney Spears dropped on Hulu, Justin Timberlake has issued an apology to both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson for the first time.

“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond,” he wrote in a lengthy Instagram message on Friday, February 12. “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.”

Amid backlash regarding his treatment of Spears following their breakup in 2002, which the documentary brought back into the spotlight, people on social media also recalled his silence after Janet Jackson was punished and blacklisted for a wardrobe malfunction during their 2004 Super Bowl halftime show performance. “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually,” he wrote in his statement. “Because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”

The “Cry Me a River” singer said he felt compelled to respond “because everyone involved deserves better” and that he’d like to be a part of the “larger conversation.”

“The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success,” he continued. “It’s designed this 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.”

“I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career,” adding that the apology is the “first step” and he plans to take “accountability.”

“I care deeply about the well-being of the people I love and have loved,” he concluded. “I can do better and will do better.”

Read his full statement, below: