Last week, social media was sent into an absolute tailspin after photos and footage of Justin Timberlake holding hands with his co-star Alisha Wainwright emerged.
According to The Sun, sources say, “they were smiling and laughing. At one point he grabbed her hand and rested it on his knee. She then gently started stroking his leg.”
“Then he clutched her hand with both of his and was playing with her hands.”
JT and Wainwright’s reps were quick to shutdown the romance rumours, but it was too late, and the Internet was already emotionally preparing for the demise of Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s seven-year marriage.
Fast-forward to this week and Justin Timbe has finally addressed the cheating allegations. In an Instagram post, Timberlake wrote and apology: “I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it is important to address recent rumours that are hurting the people I love.”
“A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgment – but let me be clear – nothing happened between me and my costar,” he continued. “I drank way too much that night and regret my behaviour. I should have known better.”
“This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologise to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that. I am incredibly proud to be working Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it.”
JT has received mixed reactions to his apology – some fans reckon it’s poor form for Justin Timberlake to blame his actions on alcohol, and others suggested he should have directed his apology to his wife – and not the rest of the world.
Twitter user @JulieLangill commented, “Clearing the air is not necessary if nothing happened.”
And she’s got a point. Saying “I should have known better,” and that it was “not the example I want to set for my son” somewhat implies that something more than just drunk hand-holding happened between Timberlake and Wainwright.
Other Twitter users also found it odd that in Justin Timberlake’s apology he mentioned his upcoming movie Palmer in some strange attempt to plug the film. Whether it was hand-holding or something more, there is one thing I can guarantee and that is that JT has just launched himself back into the headlines for all the wrong reasons.