Justin Timberlake reveals that he contracted the flu in the middle of a press tour to present new music and Britney Spears’ reaction

Music

By Chris Rogers

Justin Timberlake isn’t letting an illness (or negative reaction from Britney Spears fans) stop him from promoting his new music.

The Grammy winner took to Instagram on Saturday to perform an acoustic performance of his new song, “Selfish,” after coming down with the flu.

“I’m still getting over the flu, which makes it silly to sing, so excuse the hoarse voice, but I’m playing around with an acoustic version of SELFISH.” Timberlake wrote in the caption. along with your video.

In the clip, the *NSYNC member, 43, could be seen wearing a cream-colored cardigan while playing an acoustic guitar in what appeared to be a music studio.

The intimate Instagram moment is just one of many times Timberlake performed “Selfish” in recent days.

The 43-year-old musician released the new song on Jan. 25 before performing it on “Saturday Night Live” and then during a hometown concert in Memphis, Tennessee, on late-night television with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots. and at a free show for fans at Irving Plaza in New York City.

While Timberlake fans have been excited about his new music, Spears fans have not been as kind.

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Fans of the “Toxic” singer streamed her 2011 song of the same name as Timberlake’s single in an effort to squander its sales.

The move was apparently retaliation for Spears’ recent admission in her best-selling book, “Woman in Me,” that her ex allegedly pushed her to have an abortion during their early relationship.

After her fans found success, Spears, 42, took to Instagram to apologize to Timberlake for revealing her secrets in her October 2023 memoir. She also praised her new single.

The “SexyBack” singer didn’t seem to mind, though, as he later shaded her during her concert in New York on Wednesday.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to absolutely no one,” Timberlake told the audience before singing his 2002 hit “Cry Me a River,” which was inspired by the pop star who cheated on him.

Following the onstage insult, Spears responded via Instagram on Thursday, saying she no longer regrets it.

Timberlake has not responded and is moving forward with his press tour.

The father of two, who shares sons Silas, 8, and Phineas, 3, with his wife Jessica Biel, will release his new album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” on March 15.