Jessica Biel backs husband Justin Timberlake after he issues apology to Britney Spears

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been married since 2012. Photo / Getty Images

Jessica Biel has shown her support to husband Justin Timberlake after he issued an apology to ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, and to Janet Jackson over a 2004 performance.

The 40-year-old singer dated Britney between 1999 and 2002, and was recently slammed by fans of the Toxic hitmaker when the New York Times documentary Framing Britney Spears was released as it seemingly suggested he had used the music video for his 2002 single Cry Me A River to accuse Britney of cheating on him.

On Friday Justin took to social media to issue a formal apology to Britney, as well as to Janet Jackson, after last weekend's Super Bowl half-time show resurfaced criticisms of his infamous performance with Janet in 2004 in which he accidentally exposed her breast.

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And Jessica - who has Silas, 5, and Phineas, 4 months, with the Rock Your Body singer - has since commented on his Instagram apology with: "I love you", along with the red heart emoji.

In the lengthy statement, Justin said: "I've seen the messages, tags, comments and concerns and I want to respond.

"I am deeply sorry for the time 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 understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.

"I specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I whole heartly want to be part of and grow from. (sic)"

The father-of-two went on to explain he now understands the ways in which the music industry sets white men "up for success" more often than any other group, and said he now wants to use his "privileged position" to support women and people of colour.

He continued: "The industry is flawed. It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It's designed this way. As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this. Because of my ignorance, I didn't recognise 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. (sic)"
And the Say Something hitmaker ended his post by insisting he "can do better" and "will do better" going forward.

He wrote: "I have not been perfect in navigating all of this throughout my career. I know this apology is a first step and doesn't absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports.

"I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better."