Justin Timberlake has issued an apology to his former flame following a backlash in the wake of the recent FX documentary, “Framing Britney Spears.”

The star has been the subject of criticism regarding his portrayal in the special — particularly during a segment about their private life. Spears, who had declared herself to be a virgin early in her career, was outed by Timberlake in 2002 after a radio show host asked if the pair had slept together.

“OK, I did it,” he says with a chuckle in the clip.

The release of the documentary, coupled with the recent airing of the Super Bowl, brought forth a slew of hashtags and comments on social media, insisting Timberlake apologize for his wrongdoings. In 2004, Timberlake famously ripped Janet Jackson’s costume during their halftime performance, revealing her bare breast. He never properly apologized, and it was Jackson who was largely condemned for the incident.

The negative attention made its way back to Timberlake, who took to Instagram to address the controversy.

“I’ve seen the messages, tags, comments and concerns and I want to respond,” he wrote. “I am deeply sorry for the time in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.”

Timberlake continued, “I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed. I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I whole heartedly want to be part of and grow from.”

The singer went on to call the entire industry “flawed” and stated he wanted to do better as someone who was in a position of privilege.

Did you watch the Britney Spears special? Do you think the apology is sincere? Let us know your take!