Britney Blasts Back? Fans Push "Criminal" Up the Charts After Justin Timberlake's Arrest
Fans of Britney Spears are making disparaging remarks about her ex-husband Justin Timberlake, and these comments are showing up on music charts. Following Timberlake’s recent DWI arrest, there’s been a surge in interest for Britney’s 2011 single “Criminal,” a song many believe references the darker aspects of their past relationship.
According to reports, “Criminal” sales and streams have spiked significantly in the days since news broke of Timberlake’s arrest. This trend is being fueled by Britney’s dedicated fanbase, the “Britney Army,” who are actively encouraging others to listen to and purchase the song.
One particularly active fan group, the X account Britney Stan, with nearly 70,000 followers, tweeted, “Fans are buying ‘Criminal’ by Britney Spears after Justin Timberlake’s arrest,” along with a video clip from the song’s music video. This sentiment has been echoed by numerous fans on social media platforms.
The underlying message seems clear: Britney’s fans see “Criminal” as a powerful anthem in light of Timberlake’s recent troubles. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of manipulation and heartbreak, resonate with fans who believe Timberlake was unfairly portrayed as the innocent victim following their 2002 breakup.
This incident comes on the heels of renewed scrutiny surrounding Timberlake’s role in the early part of Britney’s career. Her recent memoir, “The Woman in Me,” reportedly includes accusations against Timberlake regarding his behavior during their relationship.
Whether intentional or not, the resurgence of “Criminal” highlights the enduring connection between Britney Spears and her fans. The “Britney Army” has proven itself to be a fiercely loyal group, ready to support Britney and potentially send a message through music.
It remains to be seen if “Criminal” can climb the charts to a significant degree, but one thing’s for sure: this situation has reignited discussions about Britney’s past and the complexities of her relationship with Justin Timberlake.