Justin Timberlake’s apologetic, ‘funny’ open letter: authentic or still full of it?

This came out Friday afternoon, but I didn’t feel like doing some breaking news coverage because at the end of the day, Justin Timberlake is still a douche-wang. As we discussed last week, Justin’s “friend” Justin Huchel made a mock video thing in which Huchel paid homeless people $40 each (if that?) to say prewritten lines like “Hey, I’m sorry I can’t make it to your fancy Italian wedding that costs $6.5 million, because I’m like homeless and stuff, and this is super-funny” (I’m paraphrasing). The story came out the same day Justin’s wedding photos debuted in People Magazine, so it was not only embarrassing, it was just awful timing for him. But Justin owned the situation (not really) and issued an apology letter (eh). I might need a stiff drink to get through this:

AN OPEN LETTER:

To my family, friends, and fans:

The last time I wrote a letter like this, it was when I had the good fortune of attending a once in a lifetime experience by sharing an evening with some of America’s finest at the Marine Corps Ball about a year ago. I was so moved by that night, I wanted to share it with everyone. Unfortunately, this letter holds a different kind of weight for me.

Normally, as some of you know, I am (by nature) a pretty private person. So, I don’t really take it upon myself to comment on things that so often go misunderstood or something that has even shed any kind of dark light on what was and will always be one of the most special weeks of my life. But, in light of the recent events, I can’t fight the urge to clarify my thoughts and feelings on what has been a very upsetting portrayal of the people closest to me and myself. It’s not who I am as a professional or as a man.

I can’t help but think of one of the many great life lessons my Grandfather has taught me… He told me when I was younger that “Sometimes, you are confronted with challenges in life that perhaps are not your own. And, when those moments arise, the right thing for a man to do is accept that responsibility, whatever it may be, and face it with honesty and humility.”

So, I’m taking his advice. If for no other reason, than to clear the air so no one has to ever wonder how I feel about it.

I’d like to start off by saying that I don’t live my life making fun of people (unless, of course, I’m making fun of myself on SNL)… Especially, those who are less fortunate or those in need. I grew up with a family and community that instilled ideals in me like hard work, honesty and empathy. As a matter of fact, growing up in Tennessee, I was always taught that we as people, no matter what your race, sex, or stature may be, are equal. We have a saying there that “Everyone puts their pants on the same way(maybe this saying doesn’t apply to guys who wear kilts. Although, I’m sure they put theirs on the same way too…)”

As it pertains to this silly, unsavory video that was made as a joke and not in any way in mockery:

1. I had no knowledge of its existence. I had absolutely ZERO contribution to it.

2. My friends are good people. This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I’m sure no one who is reading this is exempt from. But, I don’t believe it was made to be insensitive. More so, I think it was made as a joke on me not having that many friends attending my own wedding (which IS kind of funny if you think about it).

3. Like many silly rumors that I have been made aware of about the week: It was NOT shown at my wedding.

4. I think we can all agree that it was distasteful, even though that was not it’s intention.
Once again, in the world that we live in where everyone thinks that they know everything, I want to be very clear… I am NOT defending the video. I agree with the overall consensus. But, to use another “pants” analogy… It seems that these days, misconception gets around the world before the actual truth even wakes up and gets it’s pants on.

I want to say that, on behalf of my friends, family, and associative knuckleheads, I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by the video. Again, it was something that I was not made aware of. But, I do understand the reaction and, by association, I am holding myself accountable.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. It really is a blessing to be able to speak directly to my true fans so that you can know exactly where I stand.

-Justin

P.S. You can bet your ass that I’m having my friend do at least 100 hours of community service… Boom.

[From TMZ]

A few points I’d like to make:

1. When issuing a public apology in the form of an open letter, get someone to proof said letter. The its/it’s error is common enough, and many people make it, but it says to me “Justin is a guy so full of himself that he thinks he knows better than Spellcheck.”

2. Does anyone think the most “for real” moment is when Justin basically admits that he has very few friends? I think it was supposed to be a “joke” (like the homeless video), but it seemed the most authentic part of the letter.

3. I hate that we have to go nine or ten paragraphs before we get to the meat of the apology. I’m glad that he offered an apology, though. At least he owned it partially and with a lot of other bullsh-t thrown in.

4. I do believe that it wasn’t his idea, and that he didn’t contribute anything to it (as in, he didn’t ask for a video and he wasn’t like, “Dude, that would SO funny.”). That being said, this is one of his closest friends, right? That STILL speaks volumes about who Justin chooses to hang out with.

5. The P.S. is crap. Justin sounds like an arrogant douche who “orders” his friends around. BOOM.

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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135 Responses to “Justin Timberlake’s apologetic, ‘funny’ open letter: authentic or still full of it?”

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  1. Liv says:

    The letter speaks volumes. He just apologied because he got backlash. And the “Boom” is so embarrassing!

    • Alexandra Bananarama says:

      The BOOM says that he is taking none of this at all seriously. The letter is only to appease us enough to shut up, but he couldn’t even write it without sounding like a jerk.

      • Zigggy says:

        I know- the “Boom” made me want to gag.
        And he never even apologized to the homeless people that were exploited in the video. Can’t stand him.

    • yoyo says:

      agreed. The “boom” negates everything.

      Just the fact that he starts the apology by patting himself on the back for a “good deed” was obnoxious enough. Trying to remind us: look I’m not ALWAYS a douche, I support charities!

      He’s proven over and over that he is a brat. It follows that his friends are brats too, nothing new there.

      He IS absolutely the kind of guy who would make fun of other people for a myriad of reasons.

      Hollywodd has clearly gotten to his head, he’s a crap actor and no one has called him out on it so he thinks hes somekind of big shot: look I can dance, sing AND act! Look for him next at the UNHCR or testifying in Congress on why global warming is a meany…”think of the children! won’t ANYBODY think of the CHILDREN!!!!”

      He’s such an *ss…

      • alc says:

        Well said yoyo! And I’d like to know how he responded at the wedding when the video played. He has shown over and over again how immature and full of himself he is. It would be nice if the entertainment industry would call him on it but so far they haven’t. Jessica Biel can have him. I frankly hope I see less and less of him.

    • Me Too says:

      This was not an apology. It was an excuse. An apology would have been short and to the point. He basically puts the blame on others, including the public who are misunderstanding the video and his friend’s “good intentions.”. This is the apology equivalent to a humble brag IMO.

      To apologize he should’ve said he found the video in poor taste and told his friend that. Instead he whined about how the video wasn’t even played at the wedding–glad to hear buddy, it makes it so much better that it was probably at some dinner where you all ate lobster and drank expensive wine. He also played it down saying it was just boys being boys.

      I’ve never understood this guy’s popularity either in the music or film world. He’s a mediocre singer at best and a lousy actor. Now we can also add crummy human being!

  2. Mimi L. says:

    If one of my so called besties pulled this sh-t at my wedding…oh wait, none of my friends would do that. As if there wasn’t enough evidence, Timberlake is a straight up douche.

  3. dooliloo says:

    Basically in the letter he still managed to come off as a proper twat, the PS totally killing the pretentious seriousness of the letter.

    And um to quote : “I am (by nature) a pretty private person. So, I don’t really take it upon myself to comment on things that so often go misunderstood…”

    Oh what can I say… Not so private the Cry Me a River, What Goes Around songs being about Britney, and wanting the world to know that you got married on the very same day you got married releasing a statement… Way to go JT, way to go!

  4. Kyle says:

    OMG leave him alone. Who cares about homeless and nobodies. It is only ruining his moment of happiness.

  5. Lucy2 says:

    Whatever. So it’s distasteful and offensive, but didn’t intend to be? It’s just a joke about how he has no friends? Come on. A straight up “it was wrong” would have been better.
    And as soon as you add “to anyone who was offended” to an apology, it automatically makes it weaker because it’s then about saving face instead of being sorry about the actual problem.

    • JMH says:

      I totally agree! It would have been better if he had just issued a short, serious statement about it rather than filling the letter with awful jokes. It’s like ‘hey dudes, this thing sucked, but remember that I’m still the lovable douchebag!’

  6. lisa2 says:

    I don’t think the letter was funny at all. I think even in his “apology” he made it all about HIM..HIS… MY.. nothing about the homeless people. Nothing about using them. Nothing about his wife and how all of this has taken from a day that should have been all about her. but not the talk Justin and his apology.

    so to me in that regard it is a fail.

    OH and has anyone seen the picture of one of his (oops,I mean their) female guest mooning the paps when she was getting on a bus to leave. That shot made it very clear what and who his friends are.. Classy all the way around. (NOT)

    • bluhare says:

      My take exactly.

      MY wedding
      MY day
      MY everything

      Nothing about

      OUR wedding
      OUR day
      OUR everything

      That said it all right there. Didn’t even need the BOOM.

      • Lisa says:

        Douchiest ending ever. Like, SEE HOW I SETTLED THAT? YEAH. Self celebration down to the very end.

    • lucy2 says:

      I thought the same thing – it’s all I,I,I and me,me,me.

  7. Annie says:

    Not once did he apologize to the people he mocked, or acknowleged them as human beings who deserve respect. This “apology” is a two page essay on why he thinks he’s cool.

    • Eileen says:

      Annie: YES! Thank you. I was trying to put into words why this letter was a POS and you summed it up perfectly.

      Dear Justin: A homeless man comes and mows my lawn every week. He asked for $13 to mow it originally and I give him $30 plus a bottle of Gatorade because he works his ass off. Every time he’s done he cleans up any debris because he knows I have children and then he rinses his cup out that I give him with ice in it and dries it and puts it on my porch. He has more honor, respect and morale in his pinky nail than you or your “too beautiful to get jobs” wife have combined.

      JT’s friend wasn’t making fun of Justin, he was blatantly making fun of the people he was “interviewing.” Asking if they were in his video or filming with him. How is that poking fun at JT? What a disgusting pig.
      /Steps off soapbox

      • The Original Mia says:

        Well said! That wasn’t an apology. He and his friends are douches. That video just put their attitudes in display for everyone to see.

        That’s a very nice thing you do. No reason to treat them disrespectfully.

      • Eileen says:

        He helped me more than I him! I just moved in my house, poor as hell and I don’t have a lawnmower. Showed up at my door and took a load of stress off my mind when I was overwhelmed. He also helped me when he saw poison ivy in my backyard! My kids could have gotten into it. I hope to God he has somewhere to go now that its getting cold. : /

      • Skipper says:

        Eileen. Let him live with you

    • Feebee says:

      Agree. A more sincere apology could have been 6 paragraphs shorter and actual mentioned the people his royal doucheness should have been apologising to.

    • emmie_a says:

      Exactly. The letter was all about him and he didn’t really apologize for anything. He just doesn’t get it, plain and simple.
      The direct quote from his grandfather irked me bc it almost seemed to be mocking in tone and really, does he remember exact quotes like that? I’d be surprised if he even listened to any wisdom his elders have given him.
      And I don’t think he wasn’t pointing out that he doesn’t have friends (as someone like him would never admit that) — he was saying that he didn’t invite many of his friends to the wedding. I took this as another PR move bc he was getting negative press for not inviting his former boy band members.

  8. backwards says:

    He is a douche. That’s not even an apology, just a bunch of rambling words.

  9. stinkyman says:

    I think it’s fine and spellcheck is certainly the least concern about this issue. His friends went ahead and did something they thought was funny but was an insult to some … Justin was not comfortable with it and tried to make it right. Problem is folks are critical and unforgiving. So he will get more citicism just because folks like to biitch.

    • SusieQ says:

      If they really knew their ‘friend’, they should have known he would be uncomfortable with it, so why make the video in the first place?

      When I was having my bridal shower it was popular at the time to have one of those kissagram/stripagrams. I warned all my friends that if they arranged one, they would be off the guest list and no longer friends of mine. They knew me well enough AND how I felt about the matter to respect my wishes.

      Can you say, hand on heart, that this real good friend didn’t have a clue that Justin Timberlake would find it ‘distasteful’?

      He made this video because he knew Timberlake would find it funny.

      As for the ‘apology’, if you’re sincere about addressing a serious issue, you don’t throw a joke or two in there for good measure.

      And the only reason we got this ‘apology’ in the first place was because the world found out.

      Sickening.

  10. Mia says:

    All I see here is ME ME ME. It takes the wrong tone and this just further ruined my image of him. I actually feel bad for Jessica Biel having to live with this!

  11. Mia 4S says:

    I’m reminded of his post-Nipplegate behavior with Janet Jackson. He is all cool , smooth, and hardcore sexy…and then after it happens he gives these tense statements about how he is soooo sorry for the offence and he had no idea and oh no please don’t be mad at me.

    He’s just a poser; a little boy.

  12. lower-case deb says:

    shades of throwing people under the bus there, if i read all those words correctly.

    • Kimbob says:

      Yes…throwing people UNDER the bus…that’s exactly what he is and what he does whenever it gets too hot in the kitchen for him. He is despicable.

      • StormsMama says:

        EXACTLY.
        He straight up threw his “friends” (ie paid associates) under the bus. That is character revealing to the core.
        He sucks. BOOM.

      • StormsMama says:

        EXACTLY.
        He straight up threw his “friends” (ie paid associates) under the bus. Character-revealing to the core.
        He sucks. BOOM.

  13. bns says:

    He’s a douche, the sky is blue, water is wet, etc.

    I’m listening to FutureSex/LoveSounds right now, and I really wish he would go back to music. He generally sucks (especially at acting), but I love this album.

  14. I'm going to Guam! says:

    The scary part is that he genuinely seems clueless as to what people are upset about.
    Someone commented “It’s like he’s throwing things on a wall and hoping something sticks”.
    He just seems at lost at what he and his friend did wrong hence why his “apology” is all over the place.

    • Zigggy says:

      Totally, it’s like he’s apologizing just to make peace because people got upset, but he doesn’t get why. Such a pr*ck.

    • bc says:

      Agreed. Another huge problem is the whole “last time I wrote a letter like this was when I did something awesome and generous ME ME ME”. So inappropriate.

    • Lisa says:

      yeah, like someone else said, it’s one of those “sorry you got mad” apologies that puts the blame where it doesn’t belong. That’d be like me punching someone and being like, oops, sorry you bled. It’s your fault for having all those blood vessels in there!

    • d b says:

      Totally agree. He’s clueless and I think the lamely joking tone of his letter makes it clear he wishes people would “just lighten up”

  15. acp says:

    What is that expression again? Birds of feather flock together.

  16. Jayna says:

    I feel bad for him. It’s a joyous occasion and having to deal with this. My only question is it wasn’t shown at the wedding, but was it ever shown to Justin and his friends at another time before that day? If so, own up to seeing it and poor judgment to all have laughed. Or I think maybe what happened is someone saw it and told the guy poor taste, don’t use it, and he didn’t. Then someone leaked it. I do feel bad for Justin. This was their moment and were on a high and spent a lot of money flying friends and their families out and putting them up in beautiful accomodations and then dealing with this. I would be pissed.

  17. Shitler says:

    So we’re supposed to buy that you havn’t made insensitive “jokes” about homeless people before? Bitch please!

  18. spitfire says:

    Whether it was a private joke or meant to be seen only privately, it was still in bad bad bad taste.

  19. GoodCapon says:

    It’s like he’s saying, “There I made an apology letter, happy now?” The ‘Boom.’ part just tops off a really insincere letter.

  20. JankyWhiteGirl says:

    Did Jessica Biel really say she was too beautiful to get roles? Um, I’m no expert, but doesn’t acting require talent? There are plenty of bad actresses, but this woman has been around for YEARS. And her nose is weird to me for some reason.

    • Minty says:

      In a 2009 Allure interview, Jessica said she wanted the kind of career Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson had. She complained it was a struggle to get good roles:

      “I just want an opportunity. If you don’t like the audition, don’t hire me! But if you don’t want to even see me — that’s hurtful. And why? You know nothing about me!”

      So are her good looks hurting? “It really is a problem,” she says. “I have to be blunt.”

      First off, she’s not ugly but she’s no goddess, either. She should complain to her plastic surgeon for allowing her to get that nose with the artificial-looking tip and also that overinflated upper lip. She should have asked Halle Berry who her surgeon is.

      Second, she’s not a talented actress, as you and many others have already mentioned. Looks may get your foot in the Hollywood door, but talent keeps you in the room. She hasn’t done anything memorable other than to show off her toned ass in films.

      Third, Jessica is bland in personality. Her interviews on talk shows are dull. She just doesn’t have the presence, charisma, or wit that some of the most successful stars have.

      Justin is sorry he got caught, that is all. Thanks to all the eloquent commenters here (yoyo, dooliloo, lisa2, TG, etc.) who’ve dissected the meaning behind his bullsh-t damage control apology letter. You ladies critiqued it much better than I could have.

  21. TG says:

    This apology has to be one of the most non-apology statements I have ever seen. He starts his letter off reminding us of his charitable works and the last time he wrote a letter was at a Marine Corp ball. Insufferable twerp. First off you douche everyone knows you can behave yourself when at a public event it is your behaviour in private that speaks to your character you punk. When offering an apology don’t cast stones at your audience (“This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I’m sure no one who is reading this is exempt from”). I can assure you punk I have never in my life done something like this or gotten my laughs at the expense of a homeless person. Nor do I know anyone who would. Don’t argue the point that it wasn’t played at your actual wedding. We know it was played during one of the wedding festivities, whether it be the reception, dinner, or the wedding itself is not important. The point is this video was played and you did not stop it. Please don’t offer an apology unless you are sincere. A simple “this is not who I am and was a terrible lapse in judgement and I am deeply sorry for the offense it caused and will be educating myself on the issues and do community service and oh yeah will be donating the earnings from the wedding photos to a homeless shelter” would have been nice. Also, you are not a private person, you sold your wedding photos to People Magazine with you looking like a giant a** on the cover putting you bride as a submissive beneath you. This person is so vile I can’t get my own thoughts together. I hope this makes sense. There are others on here who can comment more intelligently than I put it. I just wish the media would stop kowtowing to this giant douche. I am only surprised that he has not thrown his friend completely under the bus. If he gets more heat you can bet that will happen. Just what he did to Janet Jackson. Congrats Jess you picked a real winner. Hope you enjoy the rest of your life coming in second.

  22. Jaded says:

    Boy did he put a nail in his coffin with that letter (I refuse to call it an apology).

    Justin, do everyone a favour and shut up. Either donate the amount you earned for selling out your wonderful wedding to a charity for the homeless or set up a foundation to provide job training, medical/dental care and affordable housing.

    Do something worthwhile with your riches instead of acting like an entitled little prick.

    • EscapedConvent says:

      @Jaded
      Yes, that’s exactly what he ought to do with that money, not just to recover his PR, but just to be a decent human bean. Wonder if anyone has suggested this to him. He can well afford it. What a whiny little poser he is.

  23. hmmm says:

    What a pretentious windbag!

    Regardless of what he says, the fact is you are known by the friends you keep. Period.

  24. LittleDeadGirl says:

    He is a douchebag but I’m not really comfortable saying “well you didn’t know shit about it but it was one of your friends so it’s still your fault”. I mean really people? I now have to be in charge and police the actions of all my friends? Everyone is an adult and you take responsibility of your actions. I’ve had friends that have done things I didn’t like and I told them straight to their face “that wasn’t cool”. I stayed with friends and didn’t with others but I certainly am not going to go around to everyone and try and get on my knees and beg forgivness for something I didn’t do.

    • TG says:

      You have a good point but then why did he put out this non-apology leter? It just confirms that he is a major douche. Also, would your friends really play a homeless video at YOUR WEDDING no less if they didn’t already know you would find it funny? I don’t believe they would.

      • jaye says:

        Because the blame for the video is being heaped squarely on HIS shoulders. You know…because folks are using the adage “you are the company you keep” as proof that he’s an ass. He may very well BE an ass, but he shouldn’t be held responsible for the asshattery of his friends.

      • LittleDeadGirl says:

        I doubt they would but I shouldn’t be blamed if they did. Don’t get wrong … it was a lame apology letter and he is a major douchebag proven by how he has treated his now wife, how he took over the whole wedding and made it all about him, BUT I don’t like that people here are saying he is an asshole JUST because of what his friends did. That rubs me the wrong way. So if my friend cheats on her husband (random example) … is it my fault … are people gonna say “well clearly you’re not faithfuly either cause if you were you’d ONLY have faithful friends”. You know what I mean? It’s assinine …

    • d b says:

      Of course you’re right LDG it IS unfair to hold him accountable for someone else’s actions.

      My reaction stems from a more general–and growing–dislike of the arrogance and cruel mindedness of the .01% , which extends to idiots like Huchel and Timberlake and I think a lot of celebrities fall into that category as well.

      These folks aren’t simply wealthy, they are among the wealthiest in history and for remarkably little merit. Yet typically they think they’re the smartest people in any room, hence the breezy, almost dismissive tone of Justin’s response.

      I wonder who leaked the vid, obviously someone was offended.

      • LittleDeadGirl says:

        I totally agree. I think some of these people use that wealth to so distance themselves from the way the rest of the world lives that they have no understanding or empathy anymore. I’d have found the video very offensive and been pissed if it was anywhere near my wedding.

        His lack of talent is truly remarkable. If he and his new wife could stop being in that limelight/movies/music that’d be super. They are fading away, evidenced by the need to sell their wedding, which is a good thing.

  25. lower-case deb says:

    yanno, just crossed my mind that if ever that 50 Shades of Greypubery ever makes it to production, Mr & Mrs Timberlake will be a good choice for Christian “Douchelord” Grey and Anastasia “I’m My Own Inner Goddess” Steele.

  26. Ruyana says:

    Why is it always “to anyone who was offended”. Do they think there are many people who won’t be offended? Why can’t they just straight up say, “I’m sorry. It was an offensive video.”

    You might make Mom laugh and avoid a spanking, but that doesn’t always work in adult life.

    • bluhare says:

      BINGO. If he’s only apologising to people who were offended, then he isn’t really apologising at all.

  27. Kimbob says:

    Here we go again. Sorry, but this incident and letter he wrote has the JT stamp ALL over it! This has shades of JT & Janet Jackson “nipple-gate,” in that JT is a Pandering Apologist.

    Isn’t it funny how Justin never really addresses his fans/the public-at-large in general until he’s in HOT WATER? Then, & only then he turns into a simpering, whining, wiry-haired brat that he is.

    1) Isn’t his self-love/”all about me” stance overtly obvious when mentioning, ‘I think it was made as a joke on me not having that many friends attending my own wedding (which IS kind of funny if you think about it).’

    2) JT writes this letter, and it’s clearly obvious he hasn’t A CLUE to how he’s perceived by media and the public-at-large. I just love how he thinks he’s “manning up,” and accepting responsibility by saying…I QUOTE, ‘I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by the video. Again, it was something that I was not made aware of. But, I do understand the reaction and, by association, I am holding myself accountable.’

    3) Last, but not least, my humor is certainly not lost on the fact that in apologist Justin’s mind, he certainly can’t write a letter of apology without yet pointing ANOTHER FINGER at ALL OF US, by saying, ‘My friends are good people. This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I’m sure no one who is reading this is exempt from.’

    And yes, it also doesn’t look too good when he gives the impression that he does dictate orders to his “friends,” which probably really aren’t friends, but more like sycophants/”yes” people.

    Ugh. Just…ugh! Now Justin, please go away….go far away and disappear from my consciousness.

    • Lisa says:

      It’s all just too glib for me. Even if someone wants to polish a statement for the public, there’s a line between being articulate and being insincere. Guess which side he’s on.

  28. “sorry you were offended…” is NOT a true apology.

  29. Snowpea says:

    Y’know, I watched the Leann Rimes interview with Katie Couric on Youtube and in it she talks about how she never got a chance to be a child and how nice it would be to go back to the trailer she lived in BEFORE she got famous. This is very telling, don’t you think? Like she is stunted AT THAT AGE and wants to return to be able to develop and mature as a normal child should.

    It’s not looking very rosy for child stars is it?

    Let’s see. Well there’s Lohan, McCauley Culkin, Britney, Aguilera, Rimes, the whole cast of Diff’rent Strokes, this guy Timberlake, the Olsen girls and Drew Barrymore, Miley Cyrus.

    Out of that list of trainwrecks, the only one living a vaguely normal life is Barrymore. The Olsen girls MAYBE but they totally give me the heebie-jeebies.

    Anyhoo, the point is, don’t let your children become child stars! Unless you have a sane parent who will allow you to grow and mature in the same way as other kids (give them pocket money that is age appropriate, give them strict curfews, be a strong support and role model) then you get these raging, outta control narcissists.

    When a small child is supporting a family, buying houses and calling the shots, they grow up with a distorted sense of self and grow up to become these kinda people unleashed on society.

    • lower-case deb says:

      there are some that turn out okay or okay-ish, some the jury’s still out on but seems okay.
      Jodie Foster, Neil Patrick Harris (he was young when he started Dougie Howser, wasn’t he?), Ryan Gosling (he of the mickey mouse), JG-L (i think it was Beethoven or Third Rock?), Natalie Portman, Anna Paquin, Emma Watson

    • TG says:

      @snowpea – Remember Drew Barrymore had her rough years so she must have gotten help and gotten away from the “yes” people. So there is hope for child celebs but they have to recognize there is a problem and want the help.

  30. EscapedConvent says:

    I don’t usually read Lainey, but I did this time, & thought her comments were dead-on. “Me & myself” indeed.

    I don’t know how much lower you can go than having homeless people be your “joke.”

  31. Zorbitor says:

    What have all of you done for the homeless lately? I know a guy who hires meth heads to weed his garden. He says their attention to detail is first rate.

    • Lisa says:

      I volunteer frequently, but wouldn’t it be counterproductive for people to come in here and trumpet what they’re doing? I get what you’re saying, but I don’t see why it’s always a comparison game. You don’t have to be philanthropist to know that this shit wasn’t right, and this apology not even half hearted.

    • mo says:

      To make fun is even worse.
      Do not step on anybody on the ground lies!

  32. alys says:

    It seems hardly anyone found the tape funny or the idea that making fun of less fortunate people is in any way acceptable, rightly so.

    The letter is an exercise in PR damage control, kind of. It reeks of arrogance.

  33. lisa2 says:

    I didn’t watch the video.

    But I agree with a poster above. Donate the money to a shelter or provide money for some intervention programs. That would be a great idea. Thing is I don’t want to see he and his friends at a homeless shelter doing “community service” just yet. Despite that being a great idea I think it would be viewed in a negative way. Winter is approaching so providing blankets, shoes, coats and what not would be great.

  34. midnightmoon says:

    sheesh! TG-that was awesome.

  35. Lisa says:

    So full of feeling. NOT. Zero empathy.

  36. Bowers says:

    “I’m sorry my friends and I are dicks.”

    Even then, I wouldn’t have bought it.

  37. lexy says:

    unless you are all living saints, you can all shut up. Im sick of celebrities having to apologise for every single remark that comes out of their mouth because some nutcase was offended.
    If you are genuinely concerned about homeless people then donate large amounts of money and time to help them. Sitting around whining about what famous people do/say is helping noone.

    • I'm going to Guam! says:

      How do you know we don’t, a*shole?
      I give whatever little I have to homeless people, but more importantly, I don’t berate them or look down on them or make fun of them. I respect them as fellow human beings.

    • Carminian says:

      I do. I rarely talk about it. You don’t involve yourself with the homeless to make yourself look good. You do it because it’s the right thing to do. Talking about it feels icky to me (but you seem to think that no one around here does any volunteer work).

      And Justin is a little, little man.

    • Mia 4S says:

      No one has to be a saint, I’ll settle for decent human being.

      Also I ask again, what happened to the money they got for pimping their wedding with the photos?

    • Jaded says:

      @ Lexy: Wrong. A groundswell of public opinion in the media can and does make a huge difference. What people say in a public forum can teach, inform and draw attention to a large number of issues, including a serious lack of compassion and charity to a sector of society who deserves better than to be made fun of by some rich twat.

      How do you know who does and doesn’t give to and support charities? I happen to donate to and work with Habitat for Humanity. So take your nasty attitude and save it for jerks like Justin Timberlake and his privileged friends.

  38. lori says:

    He writes an open letter like he’s Micheal Bay. Even ends it with an explosion. The same tone of “why aren’t you people grateful for all that I give you” attitude. In that whole letter he never once mentions his new wife. Never apologies for the shame she might feel or how humilated his wife must be. I think that’s very telling.

    • Jamie says:

      Nice try, but fail. You’re missing the entire point. One does not even come close to comparing to the other. God, the horror that people find this offensive and cruel. Justin is not a victim, celebrities are not victims. He’s been getting free passes for years. Being rightfully offended by this video doesn’t make someone a nutcase. It makes them human, oh smart one. Anyone who thinks otherwise is as reprehensible as JT. Douchebag.

    • Jamie says:

      Double post, sorry.

  39. sam1925 says:

    The letter makes Justin look like a bigger arrogant douch than before. Only the last 10% of the letter was needed. He was going on and on that I just got annoyed. Agree that the P.S. proves that Justin doesn’t care and only released the letter because of the backlash.

  40. Jennifer12 says:

    Don’t know where my first post went, but basically he’s an arrogant SOB who thinks he’s hilariously funny and has turned this into a combination joke and throwing the “real guys who did it” under the bus. He threw Janet under the bus at the Superbowl and he threw Britney under the bus during the breakup. I can’t believe I ever thought he seemed sweet.

  41. tabasco says:

    douche in a box

  42. Jamie says:

    Triple post, wasn’t working.

  43. Kellie says:

    A$$Hole…..nuff said. Boom.

  44. Kat says:

    At least he’s not abusing a charity by giving a large donation to launder his reputation, a current habit that really is extremely distasteful.

  45. Andrea says:

    A question, if the video wasn’t played at the wedding, why was there that blind in the first place? Who knew about it? And how did it get leaked onto the internet?

  46. Andrea says:

    Sorry double post

  47. Suze says:

    I didn’t think it was possible but I think he made the situation worse.

  48. the original liv says:

    what’s with the whole “me and myself?” is he two different person?

    • LucyOriginal says:

      I think he meant to say that people are making comments about his friends and him that are not accurate because of this video. He just did not phrase it well / lack of proofread. You probably know better than me, as English is not my first language, :).

      Off topic: I hope everyone can stay safe at home until Hurricane Sandy ends.

      • LucyOriginal says:

        Just to add: if you have to evacuate, please do and try to find a safe place to stay, 🙂

  49. Late to this party says:

    Maybe someone has already pointed this out but yes while Justin should not be blamed for what his friends supposedly did, it’s hard to give Timberlake the benefit of the doubt or a pass with his clear history of selfish, take down anyone who gets in his way behavior and throw anyone convenient under the bus
    when the shit hits the fan past.

    I for one believe Justin Timberlake has gotten away with some much for so long that karma finally got his ass and the best part he might be innocent in the lastest incident. He could have for once taken the high road and taken responsibility stating that yes this was my friend but apparently I have not conveyed to him who I am as a person. But the problem with that argument I do believe that is who Justin is and always has been. He could not even let the bride be the star on her wedding day. You can’t blame this on hollywood or child acting, if any blame its his parents. They did a loudsy job of a raising a son.

  50. tulsa says:

    You nailed it on the head with “breezy, almost dismissive tone.” Most of the letter was devoted to patting himself on the back, and he ended it with a jocular P.S. that negated his apology, such as it was.

    On a different note, am I the only one who remembers the video of him accepting the invite to the Marine Ball? He was at a press conference, they played a video from a girl asking him to the ball. He mumbled and gave excuses, but finally, grudgingly said yes.

    ———
    This didn’t post properly. It’s a reply to the post by “d b”.

  51. dee says:

    i don’t believe him. he is totally insincere and oblivious.

  52. mln89 says:

    i don’t think he’s apologetic at all. i think he’s sorry that the public knows about this video and is resentful that this is generating negative publicity.

  53. poopsy says:

    boom is the sound of your career ending…douche

  54. Naye in VA says:

    He didnt have to apologize for anything at all. He didnt make the video. It wasnt shown at his wedding, and btw I don’t think spellcheck catches its and it’s. And i dont think what ONE friend does says everything about you. I have career baby mommas for friends. I also have girlfriends who have no kids, and dont plan on it anytime soon. I have male friends that went to college and are doing their thing, and others who make it work “other ways”. A lot of people have that one douchebag friend. What do all the rest of Justin’s friends say about his character. You have to take the whole. i really think you guys are just looking for another reason to say doucheface. His apology was half-assed but it wasnt really his to give. Call him a douche but do it because he’s jumping in the air on the cover of People

  55. Timberlake should have married Swifty says:

    There are two people in the entertainment world that deserve to be taken down for douchness and they both happen to call Tennessee home; Justin Timberlake and Taylor Swift.

    Timberlake and Swift are both dicks and I just wish they would have married each other because I know that both those egos together would have destroyed each other and by doing so rid the world of two of the most self centered self important liars on earth.

  56. Viv says:

    A genuine apology would have been short and also directed at the people exploited in the video. It also would not have tried to make excuses for his friends and not pointed out that it could have happened to anyone. Duh, no one here on Celebitchy has bad judgement like that. Take that, dude. Boom

  57. anya says:

    About as smooth as a bread knife

  58. BooBooLaRue says:

    Creep. If he had any sense of right and wrong, a nice gesture of say, $6.5 million to a charity that works with the homeless might be enough to take him seriously.

  59. VGirl says:

    What’s funy is that he and his partner in doucheyness (Huchel) want us to believe that Timberlake would actually associate with anyone who couldn’t afford to fly to his 5-day long $6.5M Italian wedding extravaganza. Right we believe that! If that’s true Huchel could have actually used those folks in the video and brought Timberfake down a few notches. I do believe that was the intention of the video,but dude failed, because he’s douchey idiot.

    I’ve been over Timberlake since the Super Bowl debacle when he acted like the scared little punk he is, he totally left Janet to fend for herself, when we all know he was down with the stunt until the sh*&T hit the fan. Not to mention his inability to cut Britney some slack for her teenage indiscretion. And his acting sucks!

  60. Jayesz says:

    Wow. I can’t belive all these people after Timberlake. I am pretty sure everyone here has made fun of,laughed at another person misfortune. Maybe not as far as being homeless but I am pretty sure everyone here bashing Timberlake has made fun of or laughed at another person expense. I don’t even like him or any of his works but you guys are just wanting to take a piss a celeb it seems. Hypocrites all.

  61. Jayesz says:

    Oh and it doesn’t matter if he is rich or not. I have heard of plenty of non-rich,non-famous people who treat other worse then what Timberlake did. SO I don’t understand why everyone is taking this big a piss on him.

    • Timberlake should have married Swifty says:

      To whom much is given much is expected. Timberlake’s protrays himself as this good human being who never does anything wrong unless someone else forces him.

      I do not make fun of the homeless, the elderly, people who are overweight or gay people. Why, because I was raised correctly. Please stop excusing this supposed to be upstanding role model who self promotes himself even during an apology.

      This is just another thing Justin has done that is douchey. I don’t believe for second this 8 minute video was not seen by Justin and I am sure he laughed his flat ass off. He never said he did not watch video but that it was supposedly not shown at the wedding ceremony.

      Maybe you make fun of homeless people or austic little kids which is why you can so easily turn your head and make excuses for him. YOu sound like a 10 year old bully, “well everybody else does it so what’s the big deal?”. IT IS A BIG DEAL.

      • Jayesz says:

        Uhh I am not a 10 year old, not his fan, and not a bully who makes fun of austic kids or disabaled. Wow you don’t even know me and yet are calling me these things? Makes me wonder who is the 10 year old here.
        I am old enough to remember Timberlake since he was 12 in 1993, he has become quite the ego-mainiac over the last 2 decades. I don’t know what Jessica Biel really sees in him.

        I said I am not a fan of Timberlake and I am not making excuses for him. What I am saying is that everyone at some point has made fun of or laughed at others. Maybe not for being homeless,disabled,hurt but even as far a kid doing something which embarrasses themselves. I never said ‘well everybody else does it so what’s the big deal’. Learn to read dear. Everyone at some point has laughed at the expense of another person. Yes, I am correct to the sense that I hear about people who are not rich/famous and have done far worse then Timberlake. I don’t see so many people getting this much rage/anger at him flinging this rage/anger to others. Just because he is very wealthy and apparenlty an unlikeable celeb people are attacking him.
        Also, please don’t call me names,accuse me of being a ‘bully’, when you don’t even know me. This speaks volumes of what kind of person you are. After the way you spoke to me, I don’t believe that you have never made fun of another person or laughed at them. How old are you anyway like 13? You sure write and sound like one.

  62. Mr. Timberlake should not have to apologize says:

    Just offing himself will do.

    But in the end Justin is teflon, pop music’s Ronald Reagan, nothing sticks to him because people like Jimmy and Andy are afraid to stand against him because they are just like him.

    • Jayesz says:

      He should not have to apologize, since he had nothing to do with making that video. His friend should do something about it. If this was a private video, how did it get out to the internet then? Something is not right here.

  63. Jayesz says:

  64. Leek says:

    I find him to be despicable. His letter verified that feeling for me. If that’s his idea of an apology then I feel sorry for his wife.