Christopher Polk/NBCGetty Images
Justin Timberlake took an unexpected step this evening, posting a note on his Instagram where he very publicly apologized to his wife Jessica Biel for the photos that came out of him holding hands with his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright at a New Orleans bar at the end of November. The Sun originally ran the photos where Wainwright’s hand can be seen on Timberlake’s knee. Her rep shut down affair rumors quickly to Entertainment Tonight: “There is no validity to the speculation.”
Timberlake reiterated the same in the note he shared on Instagram. “I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family, I feel it is important to address recent rumors that are hurting the people I love.”
“A few weeks ago, I displayed a strong lapse in judgement—but let me be clear—nothing happened between me and my costar,” he continued. “I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologize 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 on Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it.”
Biel hasn’t liked or commented on her husband’s post. She also hasn’t said anything herself about the scandal.
A source told E! that Biel was not thrilled about the photos though. “They are downplaying everything and trying to laugh it off as nothing. But it was definitely inappropriate and something that would make any wife uncomfortable,” a source told the outlet in an article published on November 25. “He had too much to drink and got carried away.”
“Their marriage will survive. He feels guilty and will make it up to her,” the source continued. “She is very good to him and he knows how lucky he is. He says it was not a big deal, they were all hanging out together and that’s the end of the story.”