Celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 15:35 07 Feb 2021 GMT
Britney Spears wants her fans to stop going after her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake after a recent documentary revisited their bitter break up.
The documentary in question, Framing Britney Spears, was released on Hulu and FX on Friday (February 5).
Since its release, a number of fans have taken to social media to slam Timberlake – who started dating the Gimme More singer in the late 90s – for "dragging her through the mud" following their four-year romance.
For example, one fan wrote: "Never forget Justin Timberlake launched his solo career by throwing Britney under the bus and Janet Jackson [after the Super Bowl’s Nipplegate] soon after."
Another added: "One of the main takeaways: Britney Spears deserved a lot better, from the public, from paparazzi, etc. And I’m mad at Justin Timberlake again, FYI!"
Later, a third tweeted: "I am legit disgusted by Justin Timberlake and how he dragged Britney through the mud like that. Gross."
According to US Weekly, a source revealed that Spears feels no bad blood towards Timberlake, who has been married to Jessica Biel since 2012.
"Britney has been on the receiving end of so much hate through the years, particularly on social media," the source said. "She would never want her fans to release the hounds on Justin. Hate isn’t going to solve anything, regardless of what happened in the past."
The source added: "Britney does not hold a grudge against Justin over anything he’s said or done. She feels that they were young and in love and both did stupid things when they were together. She was heartbroken when they separated, but it’s not something she dwells on now. She’s happy and happy for him."
It is believed that Timberlake went on to write Cry Me a River about Spears and her apparent unfaithfulness.
The documentary explored the pair's break up and the former NSYNC member's attitude towards it in interviews at the time.
In one part of Framing Britney Spears, a part of a 2003 interview with Diane Sawyer was shown, in which Sawyer asked the Crossroads star whether she had cheated on Timberlake when they dated.
"I think everyone has a side of their story, to make them feel a certain way," Spears said. "I’m not technically saying he’s wrong, but I’m not technically saying he’s right either."
She also said that her song Everytime, which expresses regret and desire for forgiveness, said all that needed to be said.
