Jessica Biel Reportedly “Encouraged” Justin Timberlake's Photo Scandal Apology
The actress was “embarrassed” but not enough to break up her marriage
Photo: Getty
Jessica Biel was reportedly a major influence behind her husband Justin Timberlake’s remorseful public apology regarding brow-raising leaked photos of him and his Palmer costar Alisha Wainwright last month.
According to Us Weekly, Biel has no plans to separate from her superstar husband after the scandal, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t humiliated by the whole ordeal. The photos in question show Timberlake not only loosely holding hands with Wainwright under a table at a New Orleans Bourbon Street establishment, but also her resting her hand upon his knee.
“Jessica encouraged Justin to put out his statement on Instagram because she felt embarrassed by his actions and wanted him to take accountability,” a source told Us Weekly.
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Photo: Getty
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel
In a rare public acknowledgement from Timberlake, the Grammy-winning singer blamed his behavior and bad judgment on a night of excessive drinking.
“A few weeks ago, I displayed a strong lapse in judgement—but let me be clear—nothing happened between me and my costar. I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior,” Timberlake shared on Instagram. “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.”
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Representation for Wainwright also vehemently denied anything happening between her and Timberlake during filming. For Biel, the tribulation was a test to her and Timberlake’s relationship, but it wasn’t enough to break it.
“Jessica was very upset and embarrassed by Justin’s behavior,” a source told Us Weekly, while another source said the couple are “still united.”
This article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.
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