JUSTIN Timberlake has just dropped his first new song in more than six years.
But the Grammy winner may have a few excuses for his extended absence – especially with his rollercoaster personal life.
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The new single, called Selfish, is said to be a love letter to wife Jessica Biel amid mounting rumors their marriage is on the rocks.
The couple tied the knot in 2012 and have two sons, Silas and Phineas.
In November they appeared together at the premiere of Justin‘s animated film Trolls Band Together.
And earlier this month Jessica, 41, gave fans a rare insight into her home life with the SexyBack hitmaker, sharing sweet photos of their home, including their kids.
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It’s some welcome peace and quiet for Justin, whose good guy image has taken a tumble over the past few years.
ROCK YOUR BODY
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Justin faced major backlash late last year, after the release of Britney Spears’ memoir, The Woman in Me.
In her book, Britney made a series of lofty claims about her ex.
She claimed that he got her pregnant during their relationship, which lasted from 1999 to 2002.
The Toxic singer decided to have an abortion – a decision Justin supported and even pushed her into but she later came to regret.
One-time fans slammed the singer, turning on him.
“Justin owns who he was when he and Britney were together, even though his personality, career, lifestyle, and personal priorities are radically different now, 20 years later,” an insider shared with The U.S. Sun.
“This book is a nightmare for him because of how it throws the whole family into chaos. The timing stings as much as the revelation itself.”
IT TAKES TWO
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Britney also alleged in her book the same year she had her abortion, Justin cheated on her.
The Louisiana native states in her writing that the NSYNC frontman stepped out on her with another female musician whom she declined to name to avoid embarrassing the woman, who now has a family.
While Britney didn’t reveal her identity, it appears it may have been revealed after a little investigation by Page Six.
According to the outlet, the Mirrors singer was photographed out and about with All Saints singer Nicole Appleton in 2000.
A newspaper clipping about the sighting resurfaced on social media, showing Justin – only 19 at the time – and the British singer ducking down in the back seat of a car as they unsuccessfully tried to hide from photographers nearby.
TEARING AT MY HEART
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Years later, Justin would face new allegations of cheating in 2019 – this time on his wife, Jessica.
Photos at the time showed his Palmer co-star, Alisha Wainwright, touching Justin’s knee before he took hold of her hand during a night out in New Orleans.
The pair were snapped around midnight chatting and drinking while on a break from filming the football drama – in which they played lovers.
Justin soon issued an emotional apology on social media, saying he’d made a “lapse in judgment” when he got cozy with 30-year-old Alisha during a boozy night out.
“A few weeks ago displayed a strong lapse in judgment — but let me be clear — nothing happened between me and my costar,” he said in an Instagram apology.
“I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior. I should have known better.
“This is not the example I want to set for my son.
“I apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be.”
TELL ME, TELL ME…BABY
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Justin and Jessica rebounded from the cheating scandal by secretly welcoming a second baby boy in July 2020.
Former bandmate Lance Bass actually broke the news during an interview with Entertainment Tonight two months later.
It would be another year before Justin shared the first snap of baby Phineas in an emotional Father’s Day post.
In the picture, Justin, Jessica, and first child Silas were seen playing computer games in their living room, with Phineas trying to join in.
“Being a dad is better than I ever could have imagined,” Justin captioned the image.
“Thankful to my dads and my grandfathers for leading the way, making the sacrifices for me to live out my dreams, and for teaching me that REAL LIFE happens in all the little moments. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!!!”
SEXYBACK
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Justin’s downturn could be traced back to his infamous performance at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show with Janet Jackson, which featured the Poetic Justice star having her breast exposed.
The controversial moment would coin the term Wardrobe Malfunction.
Years later, Janet would revisit the moment in a Lifetime documentary titled Janet Jackson.
Asked if she heard from the former NSYNC member following the incident, Janet said, “We talked once. And he said, ‘You know, I don’t know if I should come out and make a statement,’ and this and that.
“And I said, ‘Listen, I don’t want any drama for you. They’re aiming all of this at me.’ So I said, ‘If I were you I wouldn’t say anything.'”
The documentary also revealed a short clip that the hitmaker filmed, asking fans to “move on” from the incident.
“Honestly, this whole thing was blown way out of proportion. Of course it was an accident that should not have happened,” Janet said.
“But everyone is looking for someone to blame and that’s gotta stop. Justin and I are very good friends. And we will always be very good friends.”