After laying low for 10 days, Justin Timberlake has finally broken his silence on the controversial images that surfaced of him holding hands with his co-star.
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday afternoon (Australian time), the singer issued a public apology to his wife Jessica Biel, and he’s given a lengthy explanation for his behaviour.
Justin Timberlake has issued a statement after questionable images of himself and his co-star surfaced online.
(Getty)In images first obtained by The Sun on November 23, Justin, 38, and his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright, were seen sharing an intimate conversation at a bar.
The pair looked very close, with Wainwright, 30, seen placing a hand on Justin’s knee at one point. In more images, the co-stars appear to be holding hands.
The pictures were met with shock around the world, given Justin has been married to actress Jessica Biel since 2012. The pair also share a four-year-old son, Silas.
Justin and Jessica have been married since 2012.
(Getty)The questionable images divided fans, with many questioning why Justin had not issued a public statement and attempted to set the record straight about what really happened.
In the days since the images surfaced, multiple reports have suggested perhaps fans were reading too much into the gestures shared between the two co-stars.
A source told E! News that there was nothing but a friendly, professional relationship between the pair.
“They were out with all the cast, crew, makeup artists, and everyone was just hanging out in a social setting,” they said.
“There is absolutely nothing going on between them.”
A source insists that there was nothing going on between Justin and his co-star.
(Getty)Now, after a lengthy period of silence, Justin himself has weighed in to clear things up.
Writing a formal statement and sharing it on Instagram, the singer wrote: “I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it is important to address recent rumours that are hurting the people that I love.
“A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement – but let me be clear – nothing happened between me and my costar.”
Timberlake then explained that alcohol had also contributed to things escalating.
“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.”
He continued: “I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that.”
The singer and actor issued a lengthy statement on Instagram.
(Instagram)Justin ended his statement by saying that he was proud to be working on Palmer, and that he was dedicated to continue participating in the film.
E! reports that Justin returned to work on Monday, November 25, with a source stating that he and Wainwright were making the first steps to continue moving on from their “momentary lapse in judgement”.
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Many fans have taken to Justin’s Instagram post already to weigh in their thoughts.
“Sending love to everyone who’s trying their best to heal from things that they don’t discuss,” reasoned one fan.
Another said: “Yes you should of know better & she should of known better also. But it takes a real man to admit they were wrong.”
Whether Jessica Biel herself will speak out as well remains to be seen – but Justin has certainly successfully taken the first steps in addressing the situation.
