Their parting in March 2002 was just as widely publicized.
Breakup rumors had been swirling in the weeks leading up to their announcement.
While Timberlake acknowledged he was heartbroken over things ending, Spears may have been more hurt than we knew.
Timberlake’s actions after the split seemed to disparage his ex.
At the time, it appeared that Timberlake might have been trying to make the “Oops …
I Did It Again” star look like the bad person who caused their turmoil.
It was a really weird time …
I just felt exploited and weird."
While Spears put on a brave face, being dumped by Timberlake may have taken a lasting emotional toll.
And yet Justin was so sure that he didn’t want to be a father" (viaReuters).
This left Spears hurt for years to come.
