Justin Timberlake has addressed a long-running theory involving Britney Spears. For years, fans believed one of his biggest hits took aim at his famous ex. However, Timberlake now says his 2006 song “What Goes Around… Comes Around” was not about Spears.
Justin Timberlake finally denies song ‘What Goes Around… Comes Around’ was about ex Britney Spears
Timberlake addressed the rumor during a Nov. 5 episode of Complex’s Re-Rank, around the 32:57 mark.
“Maybe I should dispel a rumor at this point,” he said.
The singer explained that “What Goes Around… Comes Around” did not draw inspiration from his breakup with Spears.
“It’s actually a personal story from a friend,” he revealed.
Timberlake said the friend had been dealing with a difficult relationship and told him what had happened. He then asked for permission to turn the experience into a song.
According to Timberlake, the idea came together quickly. He said he wrote the track in “damn near 20 minutes.”
His clarification comes after nearly two decades of speculation about the 2006 hit. Many listeners viewed it as a follow-up to “Cry Me a River,” the 2002 song widely associated with his breakup with Spears. The music video for that earlier track also featured a woman who resembled Spears.
Timberlake and Spears dated from 1999 to 2002. Their breakup attracted considerable public attention.
Interest in their past relationship has recently resurfaced. Spears reportedly declined an invitation to participate in Timberlake’s upcoming documentary, which could revisit their relationship.
The reported four-part Apple TV documentary will reportedly explore major moments from Timberlake’s career. However, Apple TV has yet to officially announce the project.
Timberlake’s latest comments offer a different explanation for one of his biggest songs. Rather than drawing from his relationship with Spears, he says a friend’s experience inspired “What Goes Around… Comes Around.”
