updates | March 07, 2026

Timbaland Apologizes to Britney Spears After Viral 'Muzzle' Joke Timbaland Sorry to Britney and Her Fans ... My 'Muzzle' Joke Was Out Of Line 337 11/8/2023 7:14 AM PT

I'M SORRY

Timbaland is facing the backlash head-on after his "muzzle joke" aimed at Britney Spears -- he's apologizing to her and her fans, who had a riotous response when his remark went viral.

On Tuesday, during a TikTok streaming session, Timbaland admitted his faults, saying ... "I’m sorry to all the Britney fans, even to her" -- and added he was in the wrong for attempting to block her right to speak out.

britney spears book

Fans thought Timbaland's reaction to Britney's "The Woman in Me" memoir -- particularly the bits about Justin Timberlake -- was in poor taste.

11/07/2023
EVERYBODY WANTS ATTENTION

While on a panel last week with 9th Wonder at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Timbaland quipped JT needed to "put a muzzle" on Britney, blaming today's social media climate for her actions.

Timbaland Swarmed By 'Britney Nation' tweets

Fans thought Timbaland was being insensitive and he saw their perspective, and when some of them asked if he respects women, he fired back a hearty "hell yeah."

Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake -- Before The Big Breakup Launch Gallery
Before The Big Breakup Launch Gallery
Getty

JT and Tim go way back -- but so do JT and Britney. In her book, she says they both decided to have an abortion when she got pregnant back in 2000 ... among other shocking revelationsfrom her heyday.

We covered it all on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

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