Why Justin Timberlake publicly apologised to Jessica Biel after intimate moment with Alisha Wainwright

Justin Timberlake made a big choice to clarify a recent lapse in judgement with his co-star.

On Thursday, the 'Cry Me a River' crooner, who is married to actress Jessica Biel, broke his silence after photographs surfaced last month showing him holding hands with Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright while hanging out with fellow cast in New Orleans.

Timberlake, 38, has been married to Biel, 37, since 2012, and they share son Silas Randall, four.

The Grammy winner, explained his side, writing,  "I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it is important to address recent rumours that are hurting the people I love," he wrote. "A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgement. But let me clear — nothing happening between me and my costar.

"I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologise to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that."

"I am incredible proud to be working on Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it," he concluded.

Sources close to the Hollywood couple immediately downplayed the photos, but the normally private Timberlake was moved to clear things up. Now, an insider tells E! Online that the former NSYNCer "feels terrible that this happened and for putting Jessica through the public scrutiny," adding that Biel "doesn't deserve any of this and that he messed up." 

In November, multiple claimed there was "absolutely nothing going" on between Timberlake and Wainwright, 30, as they were with kicking back with castmates and were in plain sight, on a public balcony.

Wainwright's father even spoke out in her defence, telling Daily Mail, "I did not make anything of it, really. I am a music producer, so I am used to all the hoopla. This is the business we are in. This is how it goes."

The E! Online source said Timberlake hoped his plea will help he and his wife "put this behind them. He always tries to keep his private life private, but he knows he made a big mistake in public and now has to own up to it."