Britney Spears and Janet Jackson bond over their Justin Timberlake 'take downs'

04 November 2023 , 21:40

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Britney and Justin in 2002 when they were dating (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Britney Spears and Janet Jackson have a bond – they have both fallen foul of Justin Timberlake.

And we can reveal Janet, 57, is guiding Britney, 41, through her current turmoil. Britney's most painful moments with NSYNC star Justin are once more in the spotlight in her memoir The Woman in Me. When they split in 2002 it was Britney who was reviled. Justin had fuelled a narrative that the Toxic singer had broken his heart by cheating on him.

Two years later Janet was vilified when he ripped her bodice and exposed her breast on live TV during their Super Bowl performance. Her reputation and career plummeted while his thrived, facing zero consequences for his involvement in the famous wardrobe malfunction.

Janet has offered support to Britney (Getty Images)

A source said: “Janet and Britney are still bonded by the backlash and Janet has reached out to offer her support and ­encouragement. Britney was appalled by the way Janet was treated during the Super Bowl and felt she was being attacked by the same PR machine that had denigrated her.

“Both felt he had a lot to gain by tearing them both down. They had several private conversations around that time, which picked up again recently. They have a shared ­experience and Janet wanted Britney to know that she is here for her.”

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Justin, 42, has since ­apologised for the takedown of both women. He said: “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 specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know that I failed.”

His apology was prompted by the release of the New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears, which showed how Justin contributed to Britney being vilified in the media after their break-up. After Brit’s latest revelations, we are not sure Justin is done with the ­apologies just yet.

Janine Yaqoob