In his first public statement since the airing of 'Framing Britney Spears', Justin Timberlake appeared to seek forgiveness from both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson over his silence during the past two decades.

"I've seen the messages, tags, comments, and concerns and I want to respond," Timberlake said in a note on his Instagram page. "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."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake)

 

"I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism," Timberlake added. "I specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed."

Despite his public contrition, the response to Timberlake's apology has been met with widespread skepticism.

Timberlake and Spears dated from 1999 up until 2002, when the two abruptly split up with accusations that Spears had been unfaithful. In the documentary 'Framing Britney Spears', the relationship and the media speculation surrounding it is examined, as well as how it impacted on Spears' public profile.

As for Timberlake and Janet Jackson, the latter has only briefly commented on the so-called "wardrobe malfunction" in the intervening years. In an interview on 'Oprah' in 2006, Jackson admitted that she felt "they did put all the emphasis on me, as opposed to us," and added that "(friendship) s very important to me, and certain things you just don't do to friends. In my own time, I'll give him a call."

Neither Janet Jackson nor Britney Spears have publicly commented on Timberlake's apology so far.