Justin Timberlake 'Take Back The Night' Controversy: Singer Won't Be Sued by Foundation Over New Single
Justin Timberlake fell into a bit of controversy over his new single Take Back The Night.
The singer was reportedly a target of the Take Back the Night foundation, who accused the singer of using its name without permission. The foundation even sent a letter to the singer's lawyer, Radar Online reported on July 13.
Timberlake has since released a statement where he explained his actions, according to the website. He said only after the song was released did he find out that there is an organization with the same name as his tune.
"I wanted to take this opportunity to let all know that neither my song nor its lyrics have any association with the organization," he said. "As I've learned more about The Take Back The Night Foundation, I'm moved by its efforts to stop violence against women, create safe communities and encourage respectful relationships for women - something we all should rally around. It is my hope that this coincidence will bring more awareness to this cause."
Katherine Koestner, the executive director of Take Back the Night, released her own statement on Tuesday and said that the organization no longer plans to take Timberlake to court. She said the foundation at the current time will "bow down gracefully," accepting the fact that fighting in court is not in anyone's best interest or the best use of one's time.
"It's best to focus on the mission, and his stated support is important to us," Koestner said. "Mostly, it was shocking that an institution that goes back to 1973 went unnoticed by the likes of Justin Timberlake. It shows how much visibility we really need."
Timberlake released his new single on July 12. The retro tune will appear on his upcoming album The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2, which will be released on Sept. 30. The song's sexual content didn't sit well with the foundation at first, which was reportedly "shocked" by the ballad.
Started in 1975, the organization serves to seek to "end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence."
