Sorry, Timbers, this is not the way to aplogise to the missus | Barbara Ellen

Justin Timberlake, caught holding hands with another woman, leaps to Instagram to say sorry – and slip in a plug for his new film

How wonderfully modern that Justin Timberlake took to Instagram to apologise to his wife, Jessica Biel.

After being snapped looking inebriated on a balcony, holding hands with his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright, Timberlake began his Insta-soz post saying: “I stay away from gossip as much as I can.” Of course you do, you marvellous, honourable man! Timbers continued: “A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse of judgment – but let me clear – nothing happened with my co-star… I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour… I apologise to my amazing wife and family… I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be…” Blah blah, yak yak.

The post ends with a reference to Palmer – because, hey ladeez, nothing says “sorry” more meaningfully than a film-plug.

There’s nothing wrong with an apology, but why did it have to happen on social media? One presumes, as husband and wife, Timberlake and Biel have occasional face-time access to each other (schedules permitting)? And aren’t celebrities constantly gassing about media invasions of their privacy? Yet here’s Timberlake invading his own privacy, blasting out an apology to Biel rather strangely in front of the world, and humiliating Wainwright (the “co-star”; it would appear that no name is necessary) in the process.

I’d love to think that this was Biel’s doing: “Oi, you messed up in public – you can apologise in public too.” Sadly, one suspects that this wasn’t so much an apology as a brand-announcement to repair Timberlake’s reputation. So, it’s technically more of an apology to his agent and marketing team. Next time Timberlake needs to apologise to his wife, maybe he should consider doing it with a big bunch of flowers and a box of Milk Tray – even better, some humility and sincerity behind firmly closed doors.

• Barbara Ellen is an Observer columnist

Contributor

Barbara Ellen

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Molly Russell was trapped by the cruel algorithms of Pinterest and Instagram | John Naughton
The coroner’s verdict was a world first in citing social media as a causal factor in a death

John Naughton

01, Oct, 2022 @6:00 PM

Article image
The round robin is dead, but we blow our own trumpet online these days | Martha Gill
A never-ending listing of personal triumphs on social media have replaced the much-derided letters

Martha Gill

18, Nov, 2023 @6:05 PM

Article image
Yes, we can teach our children about technology, but let’s just ban phones in school | Sona Sodha
We need to provide safe spaces where kids can learn positive online behaviours

Sonia Sodha

17, Jun, 2018 @8:59 AM

Article image
Michelle Obama stirs up a Tinder storm | Nosheen Iqbal
The former first lady is right - dating apps are not the obvious route to true love

Nosheen Iqbal

13, Sep, 2020 @6:12 AM

Article image
You’ll lose your mind if you’re a slave to your screen | Jamie Bartlett
We worry about our children’s online habits. Adults need to be on their guard too

Jamie Bartlett

06, Jan, 2019 @6:00 AM

Article image
Harassment of girls at school just reflects back the world of adults | Barbara Ellen
Half the population watches porn so it’s no surprise that it has installed itself in our children’s lives too

Barbara Ellen

12, Jun, 2021 @4:00 PM

Article image
The idea of ethical porn is a nonsense. Only unregulated sites make money | Sarah Ditum
After huge lockdown profits from graphic content, the OnlyFans network realises that it costs to go legit

Sarah Ditum

22, Aug, 2021 @6:00 AM

Article image
When did people on Instagram become walking adverts? | Carole Cadwalladr
Forget John Lewis’s Christmas ad – the real selling power is on social media

Carole Cadwalladr

08, Nov, 2015 @12:08 AM

Article image
Technology is driving us to distraction | James Williams
How often are you diverted from a task by the seductive lure of your mobile phone? And does it matter? In a landmark book, James Williams argues we’re losing the power to concentrate

James Williams

27, May, 2018 @8:00 AM

Article image
Recovery from Covid-19 will be threatened if we don't learn to control big tech | John Naughton
We need to curb misinformation. Otherwise, confidence in answers to the pandemic will be undermined

John Naughton

19, Jul, 2020 @8:15 AM