Why Britney Spears Hated Justin Timberlake’s ‘Cry Me a River’

Music

Britney Spears' impact on popular culture was so huge that she inspired many songs. For example, Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" is about Spears and Timberlake's relationship.

Published on June 28, 2024

2 min read

Britney Spears' impact on popular culture was so huge that she inspired many other songs by top 40 artists. For example, Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" is known to be about Spears and Timberlake's relationship. The "Womanizer" singer revealed her thoughts on the song and its explosive music video. She also contrasted how the media treated her with how it treated Timberlake.

Justin Timberlake used a Britney Spears lookalike in a music video

"Cry Me a River" is a song about infidelity. In the song's music video, we see a Spears doppelganger. The message is not subtle. Timberlake was accusing Spears of cheating on him during their much-publicized relationship. In her 2023 book The Woman in Me, the "Oops!… I Did It Again" star explained her thoughts about the clip.

"He released the video for his song 'Cry Me a River,' in which a woman who looks like me cheats on him and he wanders around sad in the rain," the "… Baby One More Time" singer wrote. "In the news media, I was described as a harlot who'd broken the heart of America's golden boy. The truth: I was comatose in Louisiana, and he was happily running around Hollywood. May I just say that on his explosive album and in all the press that surrounded it, Justin neglected to mention the several times he'd cheated on me?"

Britney Spears compared 'Cry Me a River' to 1 Eminem song

Spears could have fired shots back at Timberlake but she did not feel she was in a position to do so. "'Cry Me a River' did very well," Spears recalled. "Everyone felt very sorry for him. And it shamed me. 

"I felt there was no way at the time to tell my side of the story," she added. "I couldn't explain, because I knew no one would take my side once Justin had convinced the world of his version. I don't think Justin realized the power he had in shaming me. I don't think he understands to this day." 

Spears said that there has always been more leeway for men in the entertainment industry than for women. In addition, she said the success of "Cry Me a River" was a sign of the times. In Spears' opinion, it was part of a larger trend of hip-hop songs about terrible women. She cited Eminem's "Kim" as an example. For context, "Kim" is a controversial song where Eminem fantasizes about kidnapping his wife Kim, and exacting revenge upon her. Interestingly, Eminem also attacked Spears again and again in his music.

Justin Timberlake's 'Cry Me a River' took over the world

"Cry Me a River" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. The tune became the most beloved track from Timberlake's solo debut: Justified. That record reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, lasting on the chart for 84 weeks. Besides FutureSex/LoveSounds, Justified is Timberlake's most important album.

Justified produced other hits besides "Cry Me a River," including "Like I Love You," "Rock Your Body," and "Señorita." However, "Cry Me a River" will always be its defining track. It's up to listeners to decide if they think it's aged well.