Britney Spears is once again making headlines, not for her own actions, but for her emotional response to comments made by her ex-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. Despite publicly apologizing to him in her 2023 memoir The Woman In Me and even praising his music on social media, sources now say that Spears is feeling deeply hurt and frustrated by Timberlake’s recent behavior.

In late January, Spears took to Instagram to extend an olive branch. She posted a heartfelt message praising Timberlake’s song “Selfish” and expressing support for his music, signaling what many hoped was a step toward healing old wounds. However, the situation quickly turned sour when Timberlake, during a live performance, chose to sing his 2002 hit “Cry Me a River”—a song widely rumored to be about Spears’ alleged infidelity—and added a pointed comment: that he was “not sorry to anyone.”

Spears was reportedly blindsided and deeply hurt by the stunt. In a swift Instagram post following Timberlake’s performance, she not only expressed her displeasure but also made a subtle jab, reminding fans of a time when Timberlake was the one left in tears—specifically after losing to her in a friendly basketball game. It was a brief but telling glimpse into the lingering emotions Spears still harbors about their complicated past.

According to sources close to Spears, Timberlake’s comments had a profound emotional impact on her. Even though decades have passed since their highly publicized breakup, insiders say the split was a significant turning point in Britney’s life, particularly concerning her mental health struggles.

At the time, Spears truly believed she and Timberlake were meant to be. She envisioned a future where they would stay together forever, eventually getting married and starting a family. Their breakup shattered that dream, leaving Britney emotionally vulnerable and profoundly changing the course of her life. For someone already under the crushing pressure of fame, the personal devastation only deepened the challenges she faced in the years that followed.

Spears’ memoir made it clear that she had been seeking closure from that chapter of her life. By offering a public apology and showing support for Timberlake’s music, she was trying to make peace with her past. Unfortunately, Timberlake’s dismissive response seems to have reopened old wounds instead of helping to heal them.

According to the insider, many close to Britney were hopeful that Timberlake would handle her apology with grace, particularly given her very public journey of healing and self-discovery. They had hoped he would recognize the significance of her apology and respond in a way that supported her emotional recovery. Instead, his comments reportedly left her feeling betrayed and even more isolated.

What makes the situation even more painful is that it appeared Spears and Timberlake were making progress toward a more amicable relationship. Spears’ acknowledgment of their complicated history and her willingness to express public admiration for him suggested she was moving past the resentment. However, Timberlake’s reaction not only halted that progress but also triggered feelings of anger and sadness that Spears had been working hard to overcome.

As it stands, Timberlake’s recent behavior has not just frustrated Spears; it has reportedly set back her healing journey. Sources say that Britney now feels more defensive and guarded, finding it harder to trust others or share her vulnerabilities. The emotional setback is a reminder that even after years of separation, the scars of past relationships can still affect present healing.

While Spears continues to work on her personal growth, it’s clear that her story is still deeply intertwined with the emotional fallout of her early relationships, especially with Timberlake. Her candidness about her mental health battles, fame, and heartbreak in The Woman In Me has resonated with fans around the world, making her one of the most relatable and resilient figures in pop culture.

Ultimately, Britney Spears’ journey toward recovery and self-empowerment is ongoing. Though recent events have posed new challenges, her willingness to speak openly about her struggles remains inspiring. Fans continue to support her as she navigates the complex and emotional path of healing, hoping that she finds the peace and happiness she so deeply deserves.

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