Many of us grew up with Justin Timberlake, as he was a member of the boy band ‘N Sync. In fact, he was the member of ‘N Sync if you asked any girl during the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. I mean, some of us loved JC Chasez, but Timberlake was widely regarded as the best one. And it seems his solo career has only further proved that to be right, as Timberlake has gone on to shed his boy band image and forge a long career in the music industry.
Timberlake has been nominated for 38 Grammy Awards, 10 of which he won. Timberlake also successfully made the transition into the entertainment industry, appearing in Oscar-winning The Social Network, critical darling Inside Llewyn Davis, and... um, Trolls. Oh, Timberlake also regularly appears in hilarious skits with Jimmy Fallon and Andy Samberg. Basically, Justin Timberlake is everywhere all the time and he's an all-around perfect man who is obsessed with his beautiful wife and their son. Except, he’s not. He’s not perfect at all.
Ladies, I hate to do this to you but crush your crush on Justin Timberlake. He’s actually the worst. And hey, it’s not your fault for not noticing. You were too distracted by the dance moves and the one time he wore a matching denim outfit with Britney Spears. However, it's time you know Timberlake has done some seriously shady, cowardly things during his twenty years of fame. Below are 16 things that will make you wish you were one of those smart girls who knew the true hero was JC Chasez.
16 Janet Jackson Took All The Heat For The 2004 Superbowl Half Time Show Controversy
Justin Timberlake played a major hand in what is widely considered the most controversial Super Bowl halftime shows of all time. And yet, Timberlake seemingly paid no price for his role in the controversy.
In 2004, Timberlake performed alongside Janet Jackson. The pair finished with Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body.” During the final words (“Bet I’ll have you naked by the end of this song”) Timberlake tore off a piece of Jackson’s wardrobe, revealing her chest. Because this was being broadcast live, the millions of viewers tuning in got an eye-full of Jackson before she covered herself. However, that wasn’t the end of the controversy.
Many thought it had been rehearsed ahead of time, though MTV – who produced the halftime show – released a statement saying, “the tearing of Janet Jackson’s costume was unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional and was inconsistent with assurances we had about the content of the performance.”
Regardless of how intentional it was or wasn't, it’s noteworthy that Timberlake and Jackson were treated very differently after the event. Timberlake released an apology and all but laughed it off. Jackson, on the other hand, released an apology, then released a video apology, and has pretty much been apologizing ever since. It’s even rumored that Jackson was blackballed from all Viacom networks, including MTV, BET, and VH1. One can easily imagine how a musical talent's career could be halted when blacklisted from MTV and VH1.
Furthermore, Jackson also reportedly received a lifetime ban from the Super Bowl.
Yes, all while Timberlake is performing at the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show.
15 While Jackson Got Uninvited To The 46th Grammy Awards, Timberlake Laughed His Way Home With 2 Awards
The Super Bowl halftime show controversy only gets worse, y'all. The next weekend, CBS broadcast the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, at which both Jackson and Timberlake were set to appear.
In the wake of the Super Bowl controversy, Jackson, who was slated to perform, was reportedly uninvited from the Grammy Awards.
Oh, but guess who still attended the awards? JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE. Not only did Timberlake perform at the awards ceremony, but he also took home two Grammy Awards. Yes, all while Jackson was uninvited. Years later, Timberlake commented on the Super Bowl aftermath by saying, “If you consider it 50-50, then I probably got 10 percent of the blame. I think America is harsher on women. I think America is unfairly harsh on ethnic people.”
Hopefully, JT learned his lesson and the next time he'll take some responsibility instead of letting a black female artist drown alone in a media firestorm.
14 His Reported Affair With Olivia Munn Caused Biel To Create An Expensive Prenuptial Agreement
Timberlake regularly takes to social media to post about how much he adores his wife, Jessica Biel. And yeah, we get it. Jessica Biel is a goddess and any man should be grateful to be with her, including Justin Timberlake. But hey, does anyone remember that silly little time Timberlake cheated on Biel with Olivia Munn?
In 2010, Timberlake reportedly pursued Munn by telling her that it was over with Biel, even though it wasn’t.
Reportedly, Munn, under the belief that Timberlake was single, took him to her New York City hotel room, where the two hooked up.
On top of that, there have also been reports that Timberlake also cheated with Olivia Wilde, Kate Hudson, Rihanna, and Scarlett Johansson. Well, Biel clearly kept this in mind when getting married, as she reportedly made sure there was an infidelity clause in the prenuptial agreement which grants her a cool $500,000 if Timberlake strays while they're married. On top of that, there was also a clause that said she would only provide Timberlake with a child if he was faithful for a certain amount of time. Keep him in line, Jessica Biel!
13 His Restaurant Allegedly Cheated Servers Out Of Tips
Justin Timberlake seems like he’d be a really good tipper, right? Well, if you take into consideration just how he treated the employees at his own restaurant, it’s likely he’s the worst tipper ever.
In a lawsuit against Timberlake, servers cited that they didn’t receive proper pay, they were cheated out of tips, and they were forced to work overtime without compensation.
The suit accused Timberlake and his two business partners of stealing tips from servers, not paying them minimum wage, and not compensating them for overtime.
When you consider the fact that Timberlake is worth $230 million and he’s not even paying his employees minimum wage… Well, that’s pretty awful.
On top of that, Timberlake's restaurant was found to have mice during a health code inspection. So um, maybe eat somewhere else.
12 At His $6.5 Million Wedding, He Mocked Homeless People
Not only does JT treated his employees unfairly but he also makes fun of homeless people. Yeah, seriously. It seems like ol’ Timberlake is not as in touch with the regular people as he likes to seem.
Timberlake’s $6.5 million wedding was extravagant, to say the least. He flew 100 of his closest friends and family on private planes to Italy for a private event. Timberlake and Biel then sold photos of the private and intimate affair to People Magazine for $300,000, because isn’t it nice to be a celebrity?
At the wedding, Timberlake’s friends thought it would be hilarious to play a video in which homeless people – many mentally ill or drug addicted – wished Timberlake and Biel congratulations.
Of course, there was a heavy backlash when news broke, y’know because a room full of millionaires like Jimmy Fallon and Andy Samberg were all laughing at the most impoverished members of our society.
In response, Timberlake released a statement that blamed his “knucklehead” friend for the video. Timberlake also assured fans he was making his friend do 100 hours of community service. Um, okay.
11 He Claimed To Be Team "Time's Up" While Working With Woody Allen
At the 2018 Golden Globes, many attendants wore black and Time’s Up pins as a way to unite against harassment, abuse, and inequality in the workplace. Timberlake was one of those donning black attire and a Time’s Up pin, which many were quick to point out as hypocritical.
Recently, Timberlake worked with Woody Allen on Wonder Wheel. Allen was accused of abusing Mia Farrow’s 7-year-old daughter. Allen also left Farrow for her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn, which wasn’t necessarily illegal, but many still found to be outside of social norms.
During interviews to promote Wonder Wheel, Timberlake spoke out against Harvey Weinstein, but praised Allen’s filmmaking and artistry.
Many criticized Timberlake was picking only to condemn predators when it benefited his career and his brand.
10 By The Way, No Congrats To Jessica Biel For Her Golden Globe Nominations?
In the unfortunately social media post in which Timberlake wore black and a Time’s Up pin, he wrote, “Here we come!! And DAMN, my wife is hot!” While Jessica Biel is always hot, it seems weird to objectify a woman, albeit his wife, in a post about the Time’s Up movement. Perhaps even odder than that was the fact that Timberlake’s post in no way mentioned that Biel was up for her very first Golden Globe nomination for her role in The Sinner.
This is a HUGE step for Biel’s career, as she has long been an actress whose talent was dismissed and looks were on the forefront of conversation about her. Furthermore, Biel also worked as an executive producer on The Sinner, which was another huge step in her career, as she is now producing content worthy of awards.
Though, this wasn’t the first time Timberlake’s emphasis was on Biel’s look.
Timberlake reportedly refused to walk the red carpet with her at the 2009 Academy Awards because her dress was ill-fitting. There’s also reports that Timberlake told Biel she had to grow out her bangs for their wedding.
9 That Time He Cast A Britney Spears Lookalike In His Music Video
Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake were America’s Sweethearts for a perfect period of time. Then this denim-wearing couple split, leaving the world wondering what happened.
Timberlake kind of told his side of what happened via the “Cry Me A River” music video. The lyrics of the song all but completely confirmed that Spears cheated on Timberlake with a backup dancer, as was the popular rumor. Then, Timberlake took it one step further and cast a Spears lookalike in the music video.
While this was some Grade-A drama of the time, 2018 may look at this move in a different light, as Timberlake was publicly shaming Spears.
Sure, there's artistic expression, but at what point does it become a form a hateful revenge?
On top of that, many believe Spears and Timberlake’s 2002 breakup was what pushed her to spiral into her 2004 marriage to Kevin Federline. And of course, we all know the 2007 divorce from Federline is what caused Spears to have a public breakdown, in which she shaved her head and threatened paparazzi with physical violence. I’m not saying that Timberlake is to blame for Bald Britney, but couldn’t he have, like, texted her or something? I mean, isn’t that what you do when someone you know goes off the deep end?
Overall, Timberlake’s treatment of Spears seems both petty and spiteful, even if the "Cry Me A River" music video was one of his best.
8 Bye, Bye, Bye To 'N Sync
Um, excuse us all, Justin Timberlake. ‘N Sync was the boy band to end all boy bands. No offense to all the Backstreet Boy fans out there, but ‘N Sync was IT. In 2002, the band took an indefinite break. It wasn’t until 2007 that Lance Bass confirmed the band had low-key broken up via the break.
By the breakup confirmation, Timberlake had already released two solo albums, so it was pretty clear what happened: JT wanted out.
In regards to the split, Timberlake said, “I was growing out of it. I felt like I cared more about the music than some of the other people in the group. And I felt like I had other music I wanted to make and that I needed to follow my heart.” Way to low-key say you cared more about the musical artistry than the other members of the group. Of course, that’s always how Timberlake throws his shade. It’s backhanded and hidden.
There’s also the fact that JC Chasez was the undoubted best singer of ‘N Sync. Chasez tried to jump-start a solo career after the band low-key split, but many believe the fact that Timberlake had been him to the punch halted Chasez’s career before it could even start. Overall, Timberlake really just left his bandmates hanging and that's not cool, as there would have never been a Justin Timberlake without first 'N Sync.
7 He Broke The Law While Voting During The 2016 Election
During the 2016 presidential election, Timberlake tried to encourage voting by… breaking the law? Yes, Timberlake snapped a photo of himself voting and posted it to social media. Of course, taking photos inside polling stations is against the law in Tennessee. The punishment for the crime is up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine.
Timberlake since deleted the photo and paid the fine, but was not required to serve jail time.
Since then, Tennessee lawmakers have changed the law to allow voting booth selfies. So, when Timberlake breaks a law, it becomes… not a law?
Sure, this isn’t the most scandalous thing JT has ever done, but it does point to his annoying nature of never taking responsibility for anything, as his apology for the photo was simply that he didn’t know about that law.
6 Countless Accounts Of Cultural Appropriation
Timberlake has long been a musical icon, who seamlessly blended together elements from different genres like pop, dance, R&B, and hip-hop. Because of his musical style, voice, and ability to actually dance, Timberlake has been compared to Michael Jackson and Prince. However, some have called Timberlake out for cultural appropriation, as he’ll benefit from black culture but do nothing to support black communities.
People have even suggested that Timberlake retreats into an innocent white male persona in the face of scandal, as he did with the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show.
When Jesse Williams, of Grey’s Anatomy fame, made a beautiful speech at the 2016 BET Awards, Timberlake tweeted, “Oh, you sweet soul. The more you realize that we are the same, the more we can have a conversation.” This tweet was met with harsh criticism, which pointed out Timberlake’s ongoing cultural appropriation and tone-deaf statements on race relations. Timberlake since deleted the tweet and said he felt “misunderstood.”
5 His Skits With Jimmy Fallon Are Often Homophobic
If it feels like Timberlake is everywhere, it’s because he totally is. Not only does he dominate the music industry, but he’s also transitioned successfully into the entertainment industry as well. Though, not everyone is down with Timberlake in the entertainment industry. And no, I’m not talking about Trolls, because that was kind of delightful if you actually watched it. Instead, I’m talking about Timberlake’s skits with Jimmy Fallon. Many have criticized these skits for being homophobic, as the joke in many of the skits is simply that one of their characters is gay or that Fallon and Timberlake’s characters are too close.
Recently, Fallon’s been criticized for being “too nice” and his unwillingness to take a stand in these harsh political times.
Of course, this is similar to the same way Timberlake never takes ownership over anything for which he’s criticized.
So hey, they may just be two peas in a pod, but their homophobic jokes are dated and help normalize homophobia in our society. No thank you, JT.
4 He's Made Millions Off The McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It"
We all know that infamous McDonald’s jingle: Ba Da Ba Ba Bah, I'm lovin’ it!
Okay, but do we all know that Justin Timberlake is the voice behind the jingle?
In 2003, McDonald’s paid Timberlake $6 million to single the jingle, which has become the longest-running advertisement in the history of the company.
To be clear, $6 million doesn’t sound like a whole lot compared to Timberlake’s current $230 million net worth, but he was a different celebrity back then. In the early 2000s, Timberlake had just parted from ‘N Sync, which meant that this $6 million payday was huge for him.
On top of that, Timberlake seems to be one of the only people actually paid for his contribution to McDonald’s marketing gold. Pusha T claimed to have written the song, but he was never compensated. Likewise, others have claimed to have contributed to the project, but they were never compensated.
Whatever the case, JT got a fat payday for simply singing, “Ba Da Ba Ba Bah, I'm lovin’ it!” While there’s no shame in that game, it’s interesting to know that a chunk of his money actually came from that damn jingle that always gets in your head.
3 He Thinks "Some People Are Just Better [Intoxicated]" (Yeah, He Really Said That)
In a 2011 interview, Timberlake was asked if he smokes any illegal substances, to which he answered,
“Absolutely. The only thing [it] does for me is it gets me to stop thinking. Sometimes I have a brain that needs to be turned off. Some people are just better [intoxicated].”
This also isn’t the first time Timberlake has openly talked about doing drugs. In another interview, Timberlake said, “I remember Coachella when there wasn’t, like, paparazzi and stuff there. Like, I stood in an open field and one year I saw Nine Inch Nails and the next year I saw Weezer, and I was standing in the middle of the field, you know, like tripping my mind out.”
We get it, Justin. You're a fan of hallucinogen illegal substances. While pot is now legal in many states, Timberlake should still be aware that many people have been incarceration or faced legal issues for their drug use, especially people of color. If Timberlake is going borrow from black culture, he should be aware of the systematic way drug use has been used to imprison people of color. His carefree way of talking about drug use is very privileged.
2 Jay-Z Turned Down The 2018 Superbowl Half Time Show, But JT Accepted The Gig
Timberlake may be performing at the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show, but he wasn’t the first celebrity to be approached. Reportedly, Jay-Z was first approached to perform at the halftime show but turned it down.
It’s likely Jay-Z turned down the gig because of the heated debate about racial protests in the NFL.
During the National Anthem, many players have taken a knee to peacefully protest police brutality and racial inequality. This started with Colin Kaepernick, whose jersey Jay-Z wore during his SNL performance in 2017. Likely, Jay-Z turned down the performance because the NFL as a corporation has not shown support to these players who have chosen to peacefully protest. And so, the gig went to Timberlake.
This brings back questions about Timberlake’s cultural appropriation, as he is willing to use elements from black culture but unwilling to take a stand for the interests of the black community. Timberlake will undoubtedly put on a spectacular performance, but at what cost?
1 In Short, Justin Timberlake Has Never Taken Responsibility For, Well, Anything
Overall, Justin Timberlake has built a career on seemingly avoiding responsibility in every sense of the word.
In 2004, Timberlake let Jackson take the fall for the wardrobe malfunction to end all wardrobe malfunctions. In the years since Jackson’s career has flat-lined while Timberlake’s has soared. And this isn’t the only time Timberlake sacrificed someone for his own fortune. We’ve watched as Timberlake let the four other members of ‘N Sync disappear from the limelight. Timberlake sat aside as Britney Spears spiraled and climb her way back tooth and nail. There was not a single word of encouragement for the ex-girlfriend he shamed via music video.
Timberlake will also use a case – be it Time’s Up or Black Lives Matter – if he sees it as something that will look good for his image, but he won’t stand by that cause if a business opportunity arises like working with Woody Allen or doing the Super Bowl halftime show.
JT gave us some true bops and can cut up a dance floor, but it’s time to crush your crush on him for good.
There's nothing honest behind that smug smile.
Sources: Washingtonpost.com, Usmagazine.com, Sheknows.com, Reuters.com, Nbcnewyork.com, Gawker.com, Newsweek.com, Thefrisky.com, Billboard.com, Instyle.com, Cnn.com, Flavorwire.com, Bustle.com, Rollingstone.com, Pitchfork.com, Huffingtonpost.com, SI.com
