Justin Timberlake is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, born on January 31, 1981, in Memphis, Tennessee. Rising to fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC in the late 1990s, he later embarked on a successful solo career. His debut solo album, “Justified” (2002), was a massive hit, featuring chart-topping singles like “Cry Me a River” and “Rock Your Body.” Timberlake’s unique blend of pop, R&B, and soulful vocals captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a pop icon.
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Beyond music, he made a seamless transition into acting, showcasing his talent in films like “The Social Network” and “Friends with Benefits.” His performances garnered critical acclaim, earning him recognition as a versatile entertainer. With multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and other accolades to his name, Justin Timberlake continues to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his exceptional artistry and charisma.
Given his popularity as one of the world’s best-selling music artists, it is no longer surprising that Justin Timberlake has faced various issues, one of which involves speculations about his sexuality. Some fans assumed he might be gay. So, are they correct? Is Justin Timberlake gay? Let’s find out.
VOTE: What is Justin Timberlake’s Sexuality?
Justin Timberlake’s Sexuality Explored
Lance Bass, Justin’s former NSYNC groupmate, used to believe that Justin was gay. In fact, he held the same perception of most of the boy band members.
When we were in the group, we thought Justin was gay, because he told us he wanted to do a gay part in a movie.”
Bass told GQ in November 2007 issue
The gay speculation did not stop with Justin Timberlake. Bass, along with other NSYNC members, also thought that Chris Kirkpatrick was gay.
We thought Chris was gay because he used to hang out with a choreographer.”
Bass added
It is worth nothing that Lance Bass previously came out as gay in a cover story for People magazine in July 2006.
Bass’ speculations about Kirkpatrick’s sexuality didn’t bother the latter. In fact, he finds it awesome, knowing that Bass must have dealt with a lot while trying to keep his sexuality hidden.
I think it’s awesome that Lance thought I was gay while we were in the band together.”
Kirkpatrick told People
He’s been going through a lot after coming out, and we respect that and give him his space.”
Kirkpatrick added
Although contrary to what his former bandmates thought, Justin Timberlake doesn’t identify himself as gay. He, however, declares himself as an LGBTQ+ ally which, surprisingly, has received backlash from netizens.
Timberlake says he feels honored to be considered an ally, which ironically, did not make the queer community very happy to hear. Many members of the LGBTQ+ community took to Twitter to express their disagreement over the singer’s statement.
I need receipts to show what he actually has done to be an ally for the LGBTQ community.”
says one Twitter user
When, where and who decided that?”
says another
These are just two of the many reactions expressed by members of the queer community, who evidently refused to accept Timberlake as an ally to their community.
It is worth nothing, though, that Timberlake and his wife, Jessica Biel, were recognized for their support of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2015, they received the Inspiration Award at the GLSEN’s Respect Awards for their work with the LGBTQ+ community.
Justin Timberlake’s Wife
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel (2007 – present)
The former NSYNC member went public with his relationship with Jessica Biel in January 2007. They briefly broke up in February 2011 but got back together in July of the same year and got engaged in January 2012.
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The couple got married on October 19, 2012, at the Borgo Egnazia resort in Fasano, Italy.
It’s nice to marry your best friend. It suits me. Every once in a while I can catch a glimpse of her when she doesn’t see me looking, and I have this moment where I’m like, ‘If you never make a good decision … if you only make bad decisions for the rest of your life. You made one really good decision.'”
Timberlake told Ellen DeGeneres in April 2013
They welcomed their first baby, Silas, in April 2015.
Their marriage faced a test when photos emerged of Timberlake and his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright holding hands in New Orleans in November 2019. Timberlake apologized in a statement, admitting a “strong lapse in judgment,” and clarified that nothing happened between him and his co-star.
He’s bending over backwards to get Jessica to forgive him and to make sure he’s there for her and Silas.”
a source told Us exclusively in February 2020
The couple welcomed their second son, Phineas, in July 2020, after a top-secret pregnancy.
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Justin Timberlake’s Dating History
Before Justin Timberlake settled with his wife, Jessica Biel, he had been in several high-profile relationships. Here’s a list of the women who were part of the former boyband member’s dating history.
Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz (2003 – 2006)
According to reports, Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz first met at the 2003 Kids Choice Awards. Diaz presented Timberlake with the award for “Best Burp,” which she had won herself two years earlier. Their meeting eventually led to a four-year relationship.
It was a whirlwind romance, even with their nine-year age gap. The two were inseparable and were at one point engaged and spotted house hunting. However, it was later revealed that they couldn’t make it to the next big step as Diaz admitted that she was allergic to commitment.
I need to know, should I get a bridesmaid dress now or not?”
Ellen DeGeneres teased the couple during their guest appearance on her show
Know what? Go ahead and reserve one. The only thing is, you’ll have to stay the same size for the next 15 years.”
Timberlake responded
Two months later, Diaz told DeGeneres that she just couldn’t do it.
I’m a commitment-phobe. Just can’t do it.”
Diaz told Ellen DeGeneres
The two eventually broke up sometime in 2007
Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears (1999 – 2002)
Even though Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears ended their relationship two decades ago, fans are still interested in their rocky romance.
The two met in the early ’90s while filming for “The Mickey Mouse Club.” In 1999, at the peak of their respective careers, they confirmed that they were dating.
With him, it’s still the same as I felt two years ago. But it is a deeper love now than when I was younger. Like, we’ve gone through so much together and we’ve known each other since we were 12 years old. We know each other inside and out.”
Spears told The Observer in 2001
A lot of fans shipped them together; unfortunately, their romance came to an end early in 2002 in a messy breakup.
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Aside from the names mentioned above, Justin Timberlake was also linked to several other girls.
In 2011, he was rumored to have hooked up with his In Time costar, Olivia Wilde.
In 2010, it was reported that he had a brief fling with Olivia Munn.
Although it wasn’t clear when, Timberlake was also believed to have hooked up with Lindsay Lohan. This was after she named him as one of the men she had been intimate with.
The singer was also rumored to have a brief fling with Rihanna in 2009.
In 2007, Timberlake was reported to have briefly dated Scarlett Johansson.
In 2003, he and Tatyana Ali also had a brief romance.
In the same year, he was also rumored to have dated Emma Bunton of Spice Girls, as well as Staci Flood.
He was also in a relationship with Alyssa Milano for a few months in 2002.
He had also admitted to having dated Jenna Dewan in the same year.
There were also some reports that he had hooked up with Alicia Keys in the very same year.
In 2000, he was in a brief relationship with Nicole Appleton.
He also dated Veronica Finn from 1996 to 1998.
He also briefly dated Fergie in 1996, but she said it was never serious.
From 1994 to 1996, he was in a relationship with Danielle Ditto, whom he considers as his first love.
Is Justin Timberlake Gay?
No, Justin Timberlake is not gay. Nothing in his dating history suggests that he swings that way. Plus, he has been in a long-term relationship with his wife, Jessica Biel, with whom he shares two kids. The former NSYNC member is straight.