Will.i.am said on CBS Mornings today that he loves seeing Britney Spears' dancing videos on his social media feed. He proudly told the world that he has always been a friend and supporter of Britney.
He said: "Every time I see her dance on her Instagram, I light up because I see how much she loves music."
His comments come as he promotes the release of their upcoming single, "Mind Your Business". It has been over 10 years since Britney and Will.i.am released their collaboration Scream and Shout, which reached No.3 on the Billboard charts. Their new song will be released on July 21.
Britney's dances on Instagram have become a trademark in recent years. The videos feature Britney dancing in her own home, often with her living room as a backdrop. In the past, Britney has danced to songs including Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke and "Sauce" by Naïka.
Will.i.am's love for her videos is not shared by everyone. People online have often criticised and put down Britney for her posts. Nonetheless, her fans have come to her defence.
Alyssa Milano 'apologises to Britney' as she's called out for 'bullying' tweetOne fan wrote on Twitter: "People get mad at Britney Spears for dancing on her Instagram but literally it’s just her recreating being on stage she literally was like this on stage people just don’t remember."
According to Will.i.am, music can be considered therapy. He specifically said that dancing can be therapeutic "for lots of people".
He shared: "When you have that connection with music and rhythm and song and melody and harmony and you express yourself through that, it helps you with anything that you’re going through."
In reflecting on working with Britney over 10 years ago versus now, he said that he still sees "the same light and same joy and the same love and passion" in her. He also emphasised that "when you're making music, that's the only thing that matters".
Later, he explained the meaning behind their new track, Mind Your Business.
He said: "Everyone deserves their own version of privacy is what Mind Your Business is."
Will.i.am said that the song isn't exclusive to public figures, but every individual. He referenced the unique struggles that the rise of social media has caused including how hard it can be to "live a private life". In his opinion, there is a "thin line".