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Britney Spears' 2011 single, Criminal, has returned to the top charts after fans banded to take a not-so-subtle dig at her ex, Justin Timberlake. The move came on the heels of Timberlake's June 18 arrest over 'driving while intoxicated' (DWI) charges.
This Tuesday, Justin Timberlake was driving a gray BMW in Hamptons when the Sag Harbor Police stopped him near Madison Street and Middle Line Highway. The 43-year-old singer was placed under arrest around 12:37 AM when he failed the 'field sobriety tests' while claiming to have consumed a single martini.
Soon after the news of Timberlake's arrest broke out, Britney Spears' fans took over social media and encouraged their fellows to buy the 2011 hit Criminal. The fourth and final single from Britney's Femme Fatale album started rising on the iTunes charts quickly.
Trending
As of this writing, Criminal has joined today's Top 100 chart on iTunes and reigns at number 59 in the United States. It is also ranked 49 in the Top Pop Songs chart on the iTunes store. The song featuring Shellback and Max Martin has also secured first place on the iTunes Top 100 chart in Mexico and Brazil.
Disclaimer: This article may contain mentions of abortions, which may be triggering to some. Readers' discretion is advised.
Why are Britney Spears' fans taking a dig at Justin Timberlake with the single Criminal?
The dislike that Britney Spears' fans have towards Justin Timberlake is not new. While fans had enough reason to dislike Timberlake ever since he allegedly cheated on the pop-icon, things took a more sour turn after Britney's 2023 memoir The Woman in Me.
Apart from exploring Britney's journey to stardom, the New York Times best-seller also made several revelations about the shackles controlling her life. In the memoir, Britney revealed a brief incident about her relationship with Justin Timberlake. As per the memoir, Britney was pregnant with Justin's baby at one point in the relationship but had to abort.
The If U Seek Amy singer further added in the memoir how she would have never had the abortion if it was left up to her alone, but Justin was certain about not wanting to be a father.
Reminiscing about the decision, Britney Spears also wrote:
“To this day, it’s one of the most agonizing things I have ever experienced in my life."
The three-year relationship between Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake came to an end in 2002. Although a confirmed reason for the breakup was never given by either of the stars, there were multiple unconfirmed reports about cheating.
Two years later after the breakup, Britney Spears married American actor and dancer Kevin Federline. Although the marriage didn't last long, the couple shares two sons - Sean Preston Federline and Jayden James Federline.
Justin Timberlake's arrest and how Britney Spears' fans reacted to it
Justin Timberlake was pulled over late at night on Tuesday, June 18, when he failed to keep to the right side twice while also failing to brake at the stop sign. After refusing to take the breathalyzer test, the singer was arrested on DWI charges and taken to the East Hampton Town police headquarters.
As per the police reports, Timberlake had bloodshot, glassy eyes with strong odors of alcohol emanating from his breath. During the field sobriety test, the singer also showed signs of intoxication including - slowed speech, unsteady foot, and poor attentiveness.
Justin Timberlake was released after nine hours following an arraignment on Tuesday morning, June 19. While he pleaded not guilty, the Better Place singer has been ordered to appear in court next month on July 26.
The news about Justin's arrest was met with a lot sarcasm and jokes as social media was filled with memes like:
Britney Spears' fans like @andysignore didn't shy away from taking an ironic dig at Justin as they shared what he said about not drinking to Britney at an award show in 2007:
“Stop drinking. You know who you are, I’m speaking to you. Stop drinking, you’re gonna get sloppy, OK is gonna say something bad about you,” - Justin Timberlake talking to @BritneySpears in 2007, after previously shaming her all over... Fast FWD to 2024 for the ultimate irony.
Similar tweets came from netizens like @cereseuphrosyne and @breatheonmiley, who shared side-by-side pictures of Justin in handcuffs and Britney Spears hinting at the irony of 2024.
Some users also expressed how disappointed and upset they were with Timberlake for such an act. A user commented on how getting a DUI at this age was not a very good thing irrespective of who the person was.
If you get a DUI in this day and age, you’re a fuc*ing l*ser. Even if you’re Justin Timberlake.
Another netizen tweeted Justin's GIF while sharing her disappointment about the Grammy-winning singer's irresponsible behavior:
Justin Timberlake better not be telling anyone he didn’t have enough money for an Uber. And I feel so grateful I can use this gif to show my disappointment in him
The major controversy comes amidst Justin's June 21 tour concert at Chicago's United Center. The singer is currently on The Forget Tomorrow World Tour to support his latest studio album - Everything I Thought It Was. Neither Timberlake nor his representatives have revealed if the issue will affect the upcoming concerts in any manner.
