Britney Spears gets an overdue apology from ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake following new documentary

The controversial Britney Spears documentary has prompted Justin Timberlake to apologize to the iconic pop star. 

Timberlake, who dated Spears between 1998 and 2002, took to Instagram to say sorry to his former lover and another famous colleague. 

"I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, because I care for and respect these women, and I know I failed," the R&B singer wrote. 

Timberlake revealed that he is well-aware that he neglected to do enough to defend his female peers in the industry. 

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"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," he said. 

"I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefitted from a system that condones misogyny and racism." 

Timberlake is likely referring to his treatment of Spears following their highly publicized split in 2002. Rumors that Spears had been unfaithful in the relationship spread like wildfire, exacerbating the breakup's media attention. Timberlake revealed on a radio show that Spears had lost her virginity to him and again took aim at her in his 2003 hit song, Cry Me a River. 

Timberlake also took the opportunity to apologize to Janet Jackson, with whom he shared an infamous music performance at the 2003 Super Bowl. After Jackson's wardrobe malfunction made her the target of a huge amount of criticism, Timberlake remained quiet and allowed her to take the full force of the backlash. 

Spears and Timberlake first met on the Mickey Mouse Club in the early 90s as kids but never remained friends following their breakup.