Justin Timberlake has been forced to apologize following the growing controversy over a video showing homeless people congratulating him and Jessica Biel on their nuptials that was reportedly screened during his Italian wedding.
The singer has penned a 700 word letter, which he posted it on his website and he insists that he is sorry, but also states that the distasteful clip was NOT shown at the nuptials.
But let’s backtrack momentarily, didn’t a lawyer for Timberlake’s pal, Justin Huchel, use the fact it was shown in a private setting as legal defense against website Gawker to remove the video?
Here is his statement earlier this week…
“Mr. Huchel made a video to be used and exhibited privately at Justin Timberlake’s wedding as a private joke without Mr. Timberlake’s knowledge,” wrote Saltz. “Further, Mr. Huchel informs us that his copyrighted video was recently stolen.”
Nevertheless, the clip has been met with disgust, made all the worse when it was revealed the homeless man who appeared in the video was tricked into sending his well wishes and was paid a measly $40 for his time.
Eddie told TMZ.com that a man approached him in Hollywood, offering to give him a few bucks if he read a few lines in front of the camera. The cameraman allegedly said the video was being made for a friend’s wedding, and Eddie was shocked to later discover it was made for Timberlake and Biel.
“That makes me feel really bad … that was a trick played on me,” he told TMZ when he learned the truth. He added, “I’m gonna do my best to change my life.”
Gawker posted a 20-second clip online Wednesday, prompting outrage among the newlyweds’ fans.
Here is the full letter below, but let us know what you think?
AN OPEN LETTER
To my family, friends, and fans:
The last time I wrote a letter like this, it was when I had the good fortune of attending a once in a lifetime experience by sharing an evening with some of America’s finest at the Marine Corps Ball about a year ago. I was so moved by that night, I wanted to share it with everyone. Unfortunately, this letter holds a different kind of weight for me.
Normally, as some of you know, I am (by nature) a pretty private person. So, I don’t really take it upon myself to comment on things that so often go misunderstood or something that has even shed any kind of dark light on what was and will always be one of the most special weeks of my life. But, in light of the recent events, I can’t fight the urge to clarify my thoughts and feelings on what has been a very upsetting portrayal of the people closest to me and myself. It’s not who I am as a professional or as a man.
I can’t help but think of one of the many great life lessons my Grandfather has taught me… He told me when I was younger that “Sometimes, you are confronted with challenges in life that perhaps are not your own. And, when those moments arise, the right thing for a man to do is accept that responsibility, whatever it may be, and face it with honesty and humility.”
So, I’m taking his advice. If for no other reason, than to clear the air so no one has to ever wonder how I feel about it.
I’d like to start off by saying that I don’t live my life making fun of people (unless, of course, I’m making fun of myself on SNL)… Especially, those who are less fortunate or those in need. I grew up with a family and community that instilled ideals in me like hard work, honesty and empathy. As a matter of fact, growing up in Tennessee, I was always taught that we as people, no matter what your race, sex, or stature may be, are equal. We have a saying there that “Everyone puts their pants on the same way(maybe this saying doesn’t apply to guys who wear kilts. Although, I’m sure they put theirs on the same way too…)”
As it pertains to this silly, unsavory video that was made as a joke and not in any way in mockery:
1. I had no knowledge of its existence. I had absolutely ZERO contribution to it.
2. My friends are good people. This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I’m sure no one who is reading this is exempt from. But, I don’t believe it was made to be insensitive. More so, I think it was made as a joke on me not having that many friends attending my own wedding (which IS kind of funny if you think about it).
3. Like many silly rumors that I have been made aware of about the week: It was NOT shown at my wedding.
4. I think we can all agree that it was distasteful, even though that was not it’s intention. Once again, in the world that we live in where everyone thinks that they know everything, I want to be very clear… I am NOT defending the video. I agree with the overall consensus. But, to use another “pants” analogy… It seems that these days, misconception gets around the world before the actual truth even wakes up and gets it’s pants on.
I want to say that, on behalf of my friends, family, and associative knuckleheads, I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by the video. Again, it was something that I was not made aware of. But, I do understand the reaction and, by association, I am holding myself accountable.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. It really is a blessing to be able to speak directly to my true fans so that you can know exactly where I stand.
-Justin
P.S. You can bet your ass that I’m having my friend do at least 100 hours of community service… Boom.
What do you think?