Justin Timberlake seemed to reference the storm his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears stirred up around one of his famous songs during a recent performance in Las Vegas. The 42-year-old singer and actor took a pause during his show at the Fontainebleau’s opening in Sin City, addressing the crowd before diving into his hit track, Cry Me a River.

This particular song, featured on his 2002 debut solo album “Justified,” had drawn criticism from Spears in her memoir, “The Woman in Me,” earlier that year. She connected it to the emotional fallout from their breakup in 2002. The track, which depicted a cheating lover and featured an actress resembling Spears in its visuals, became a focal point of their past relationship woes.

Adding an intriguing layer to the moment, Timberlake’s wife, Jessica Biel, was present at the event, dancing and singing along enthusiastically to her husband’s performance, including the contentious Cry Me a River.

Timberlake later shared glimpses from the night on social media, including a photo of himself and Jessica, playfully acknowledging carrying her heels after the event. Despite the controversy surrounding the song, he’s been open about its inspiration, attributing its creation to emotions stemming from his breakup with Britney Spears.

Britney Spears, in her memoir, expressed feeling silenced by the song’s narrative and Timberlake’s public portrayal of their split. She lamented the inability to voice her side of the story when the song had already painted a specific picture for the public.

Justin, reflecting on the song’s origins in his memoir “Hindsight,” admitted it was born from feelings of anger and hurt after their breakup. However, he later issued an apology, acknowledging his past shortcomings, including the impact of his actions on both Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, after renewed scrutiny surfaced in 2021.

During his Vegas performance, Timberlake showcased not just Cry Me a River but also other hits like SexyBack, Rock Your Body, and Can’t Stop the Feeling. The night culminated with Mirrors, a song he penned as an ode to his relationship with Jessica, emphasizing the enduring love and transformative effect she had on his life.