Justin Timberlake's Pre-'Cry Me a River' Performance Hints at No Ill Will towards Britney Spears
Justin Timberlake subtly acknowledges Britney Spears with a ‘no disrespect’ remark prior to his powerful ‘Cry Me a River’ performance Uncover the intriguing connection between these music icons
Justin Timberlake made it clear that he meant no disrespect to his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears when he sang "Cry Me a River" during the Fontainebleau's opening night celebration in Las Vegas on Wednesday, December 13.
He seemed to be alluding to Spears, 42, who mentioned the song in her memoir, The Woman in Me, published in October. The singer delved deeply into her past relationship with Timberlake in her book, as the two had been in a relationship from 1999 to 2002, claiming that they had both been unfaithful. Following their breakup, Timberlake seemed to suggest infidelity on Spears' part in "Cry Me a River." Upon the release of the song's music video, fans quickly noticed that the actress cast as Timberlake's love interest bore a striking resemblance to Spears.
“I felt there was no way at the time to tell my side of the story,” Spears wrote of the song. “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.”
At the Fontainebleau Las Vegas Star-Studded Grand Opening Celebration on December 13, 2023, Justin Timberlake gave an onstage performance. Additionally, in The Woman in Me, Spears discussed their breakup, revealing that Timberlake had ended their relationship via text message. She expressed feeling like a "harlot who'd broken the heart of America's golden boy," and stated that she was "clinically in shock" and "devastated" by the split.
"Spears wrote about being in a coma in Louisiana, while Timberlake was enjoying his time in Hollywood. In another part of the memoir, Spears disclosed that she had undergone an abortion upon discovering she was pregnant with Timberlake's child. Following the release of The Woman in Me, a source reported to We exclusively that Timberlake was 'disappointed' with the memoir's content."
In October, one source revealed that Justin believed Britney would discuss their relationship in a more general manner and not publicly reveal their personal struggles. Another insider mentioned that Timberlake feels remorseful for the pain he caused Britney in the past. The source also added that he acknowledges Britney's right to share her story and hopes for closure between them.
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In his 2018 book, Hindsight, Timberlake discussed the release of "Cry Me a River" and the emotional inspiration behind the song. "I've experienced betrayal and anger so intense that I had to express it," he wrote. "I channeled these emotions into a song that people could connect with. When others heard it, they understood because we've all felt that way at some point."
