A little bad press — and a lot of trolling from Britney Spears’ fans — can’t keep Justin Timberlake down.
The pop star has released his first new music in some time, but the occasion has been somewhat marred by the supporters of his teenage girlfriend.
But sources close to the “SexyBack” singer say he’s not letting them rain on his parade.
The former boy bander has been despised by the “Toxic” singer’s legion of fans since Spears revealed details of their young love in her recent memoir, “The Woman In Me,” including that she had a painful abortion at his behest and that he allegedly openly cheated on her.
Then JT had the gall to write the bitter breakup song “Cry Me a River” that painted her as a cheater.
Timberlake released “Selfish,” his first single and music video from his upcoming sixth studio album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” on Thursday morning.
But the release was overshadowed when fans took an elaborate jab at him by conspiring to download and stream an obscure 2011 song of her of the same en masse in protest of his comeback single. On Friday, Spears’ single reached No. 1 on US iTunes, as his slipped to the No. 3 spot.
Regardless, sources close to the former NSNYC star tell us he’s not letting it knock him off his rhythm.
“He’s very happy to be performing again and working on new music.He’s all about having a good time right now,” a source, who has spent time with him recently, told us.
Sources previously told us the backlash from Spears’ book and a 2021 New York Times documentary that painted him as a misogynist, had taken its toll. But we now hear Timberlake is healthy and completely focused on his new project.
Justin Timberlake is excited to perform again.Getty Images for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
“He’s feeling reinvigorated and is doing what he loves, making the music he loves to create. He’s never felt better,” another source told us.
Britney Spears’ fans helped shoot her lesser known track “Selfish” to No. 1.Christopher Polk
The singer has started a big promo run for the project including New York stops at “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and hosting “Saturday Night Live.”
Timberlake will celebrate his 43rd birthday on Jan. 31, with a sold-out performance at Irving Plaza.
Additionally, he announced “The Forget About Tomorrow” world tour kicking off in Vancouver, BC, on April 29.
Timberlake will celebrate his 43rd birthday with a performance at Irving Plaza on Jan. 31.Fallon Tonight/NBC
“He’s healthy, rehearsing and getting in shape. He’s excited and in a celebratory mood,” the second source said.
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A rep for Timberlake did not comment.
On “SNL” over the weekend, Timberlake made his first appearance in a decade at NBC’s famed Studio 8H to perform “Selfish” and “Sanctified” from his forthcoming LP.
He was introduced by his longtime pal, “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, and Timberlake’s wife, Jessica Biel, was also spotted at the show in a show of support.
