As the old song goes, it looks like Justin Timberlake’s got friends in low places.
The “Sexyback” singer and otherwise blissful newlywed is suddenly in damage control mode, issuing an apology for a video that featured homeless people and was intended to be shown in a joking fashion at his wedding.
“I don’t live my life making fun of people (unless, of course, I’m making fun of myself on SNL),” he says in the statement. “Especially those who are less fortunate, or those in need. I had no knowledge of [the video’s] existence. I had absolutely ZERO contribution to it.”
According to Perez Hilton, the video featured at least one homeless man named “Eddie,” who explained: “A guy came up and said, ‘I’m gonna bless you today’… He says, ‘I want you to say a few nice things for somebody I know that’s gonna get married.'” The man was paid $40 for his efforts, and didn’t realize until recently that the clip was going to be used for a laugh. “That makes me feel really bad…that was a trick played on me.”
In his letter, however, Justin says that he would never have condoned such a thing. “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.”
As it turns out, the clip was never shown at Justin’s recent nuptials. “Like many silly rumors that I have been made aware of about the week: It was NOT shown at my wedding. I think we can all agree that it was distasteful, even though that was not its intention.”
Nevertheless, Justin is sticking up for his buddy, the film’s unnamed director. “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.”
But his friend is not off the hook, according to Justin’s missive. “You can bet your ass that I’m having my friend do at least 100 hours of community service… Boom.” he says. Hopefully that will teach his friend a lesson in compassion.
We all make mistakes, but laughing at poverty crosses a particularly offensive line, especially for someone associated with a multi-millionaire celebrity. Good for Justin, stepping up and defending these people, as well as having enough sense not to let the video play at the wedding. Let’s hope that Justin’s pal has learned an important lesson: Never make fun of those less fortunate than you, even in jest. And a pat on the back for Justin, who was so quick to slam this video and its hurtful contents.