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Justin Timberlake called 'performance activist' for waiting years to support Britney Spears

Justin Timberlake took to Twitter to support Britney Spears in the wake of her conservatorship hearing and Internet hasn't taken it well

Justin Timberlake is once again being bashed by Britney Spears fans after he expressed support for the singer in the wake of her conservatorship hearing. Spears made her first court appearance in her conservatorship battle against her father Jamie Spears, whom she accused of keeping her drugged and forcing her to be on birth control even though the 39-year-old wants to have more children.

Timberlake responded after these bombshell allegations came to light, telling his Twitter followers how "we should all be supporting Britney" at this time. But the 40-year-old's support for his ex-girlfriend comes in the wake of social media expressing fury over how he treated her during and after their relationship. Outed earlier this year in the 'Framing Britney Spears' documentary, the archived clips of Timberlake discussing his sexual relationship with the singer have earned flak from supporters of the 'Free Britney' hashtag. Timberlake and Spears had dated from 1998-2002, and following their split, he has often portrayed her as the "villain" of their break-up. The documentary's revelations hint that this prompted Spears' spiral into drug abuse and rehab stints, and social media was furious with Timberlake.

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'Let her live however she wants to live': Timberlake

The 'What Goes Around, Comes Around' singer had then issued an apology to both Spears, and Janet Jackson, whose career was allegedly quashed by Timberlake as he tore her top on stage at the 2004 Superbowl. Sorry for "contributing to the problem of misogyny," Timberlake had written on his Instagram and Twitter accounts: "I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefitted from a system that condones misogyny and racism. 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." Unfortunately, social media was still not convinced.

This time, expressing support for Spears, Timberlake tweeted in profound words: “After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time. Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right. No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body. No one should EVER be held against their will… or ever have to ask permission to access everything they’ve worked so hard for.” Mentioning his and his wife Jessica Biel's joint support towards Spears, Timberlake continued: “Jess and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time. We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.”

'Cry Me a River': the Internet

But history repeated itself as the Internet was once again left furious about Timberlake talking about Spears, the way they were barely pleased with his apology earlier this year. Replying under his tweet, an upset user wrote: "Ummm you slut shamed her so shut the fuck up hypocrite ass" Another added: "Took you this long to say the right thing? Waiters, bartenders, hotel staff, film staff, dancers, singers, & tour crew have horror stories about the way you treat people and think you’re above them. Maybe try rehabbing your own kindness. Britney’s got an army. You can sit down."

One declared: "She doesnt need your support. Youre guilty too." Another person dissed Timberlake's old song rumored to be about Spears 'Cry Me a River', tweeting: "As a cry me a river song and video and how you had promoted your solo career about this?" Another targeted him for not doing his due share after the Janet Jackson incident. "Hey while you're at it, maybe you could apologize to Janet Jackson for getting her blacklisted for two decades," wrote the user. One user said: "The fact that it took you this long to say anything when britney literally made your career? Performance activism at its finest".