Britney Spears has issued a public apology to ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake and expressed admiration for his new music after a surprising turn of events in which her 2011 song “Selfish” surpassed Timberlake’s new track with the same name on iTunes charts. The unexpected twist comes amid Timberlake’s return to the spotlight with the announcement of his upcoming album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” Despite the rivalry between their respective songs, Spears took to social media to apologize for any offense caused by her previous comments about Timberlake in her memoir, “The Woman in Me.”

Timberlake, in response to the chart competition, remained composed publicly and continued with scheduled appearances, including a stint on Saturday Night Live. Spears, however, publicly acknowledged her appreciation for Timberlake’s new song “Selfish” and praised another track, “Sanctified,” which he debuted on SNL. She also apologized for the content of her book, where she revealed details about their past relationship, including claims of pregnancy, abortion, and accusations of infidelity.

In her memoir, Spears had accused Timberlake of cheating on her multiple times and criticized his 2002 music video for “Cry Me a River,” portraying her negatively during their breakup. Timberlake had not publicly responded to these allegations until 2021 when he issued apologies to both Spears and Janet Jackson, acknowledging his past failures and expressing a commitment to change.

Despite the unresolved issues between the two pop stars, Timberlake has teased that his new album will provide a genuine perspective on his life, suggesting a reflective exploration of past events. As fans speculate about whether this includes insights into his relationship with Spears, the unexpected chart battle has added a new layer of interest to both artists’ narratives.

As Timberlake’s album release approaches, it remains to be seen whether the public’s curiosity about the past will drive increased attention to the new music and whether the artists’ interactions will continue to unfold in the public eye.