Justin Timberlake Addresses Take Back The Night Controversy: Supports Sexual Assault Awareness Group After Apology [VIDEO]
Justin Timberlake addresses Take Back the Night controversy via a statement to Radar after he learned that the name of his new single Take Back the Night, already was trademarked by a group for a sexual assault awareness foundation.
The Justin Timberlake Take Back the Night single was released on July 12 as a part of his "The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2" album. He addresses the controversy about the possibility of being sued.
"Upon the release of my new single 'Take Back The Night,' I was made aware of an organization of the same name called The Take Back The Night Foundation. I wanted to take this opportunity to let all know that neither my song nor its lyrics have any association with the organization. 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," Justin Timberlake addresses Take Back the Night controversy to Radar in a statement.
The song has to do with potential love interest for Timberlake. Luckily for the singer and actor, the group decided it will not sue him over the used trademark. He received notification that he was using the name from a letter sent by lawyers for the group. "You used our name without our permission," the letter said.
The foundation's Executive Director Katherine Koestner told Radar the group was upset about its name being used without permission for an R-rated song, but Timberlake's rep apologized immediately.
"It just shows how far we have to go when Take Back the Night as a historic movement to end sexual violence in all forms is still not widely enough known, according to Mr. Timberlake, that he claims he didn't know that we existed," TBTN executive director Katherine Koestner told Rolling Stone Monday.