Britney Spears is set to release her debut memoir The Woman In Me this month, and according to insiders, it may shed light on past controversies involving her ex, Justin Timberlake.
An anonymous source revealed in the latest issue of Us Weekly that Timberlake may not be pleased with what Spears has to say, as she reportedly delves into their past relationship in a hard-hitting manner.
“Justin’s not going to be happy,” the source dished to the outlet, adding that the “Toxic” hitmaker, 41, “goes after” the NSYNC alum, 42, “hard” in the book, out October 24th via Simon and Schuster.
Britney Spears Will Call Out Ex Justin Timberlake For His Controversial Past In Upcoming Memoir, According To Insiders
Another insider allegedly told the publication that the "...Baby One More Time" singer is "excited but nervous" her book to officially come out. In the memoir, Spears is anticipated to share insights on her troubled connections with her parents, Jamie and Lynne Spears, alongside revelations about her personal life and romantic history.
According to a third source who sat down with Us, "It’s not Britney’s intention to skewer anyone" and "she’s just going to relay the facts from her perspective."
As many will recall, Spears and Timberlake started dating in 1999, having met while working on the Mickey Mouse Club together.
Their relationship ended in 2002, and Timberlake's hit song "Cry Me a River" led fans to believe that the breakup wasn't amicable, with rumors of Spears' infidelity swirling.
In 2021, the documentary Framing Britney Spears brought the drama between the exes back into the spotlight, with allegations that Timberlake had a hand in spreading negative stories about Spears after their split.
This led to widespread criticism, prompting Timberlake to publicly apologize. In February 2021, Timberlake wrote on Instagram: "I've seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond."
He added: "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. … The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed this way."
In his extensive statement, the "Mirrors" singer directly addressed Spears, acknowledging the ways in which he had let her down over time.
He also expressed regret for the infamous wardrobe malfunction that happened during his and Janet Jackson's 2004 Super Bowl halftime performance, apologizing to her as well.
Timberlake went on, writing for his IG followers over two years ago: "As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognize it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again. I can do better and I will do better."
At that time, another insider told Us that Spears didn't "hold a grudge" against Timberlake. "She feels that they were young and in love and both did stupid things when they were together," the source explained. "She was heartbroken when they separated, but it’s not something she dwells on now."
In April of 2022, Spears revealed to her fans on Instagram that reflecting on her past during the writing process was a "therapeutic" and "healing" experience. She also expressed friendly admiration for Timberlake in her post caption.
"I’m using the intellectual approach as Justin did when he apologized to Janet and me," Spears wrote. She continued: "Although he was never bullied or threatened by his family, he took the opportunity to apologize 20 years later!!! Timing is EVERYTHING!!!"
The first source also allegedly disclosed to Us Weekly that Spears' book includes mentions of both her estranged husband Sam Asghari, and her former flame, Timberlake.
However, the source implies that the references to Asghari may be softened as the former couple navigates the particulars of their divorce.
