Former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone has opened up about the awkward transition period when Justin Timberlake first embarked on his solo career, describing a particular moment that left him feeling sidelined by their management.
In the upcoming docuseries Boy Band Confidential, Fatone recalls the 2002 MTV Awards where *NSYNC introduced Timberlake for his first solo performance. "When Justin performed at the MTV Awards—and he performed for the first time—and we introduced him," Fatone said, "I simply thought: 'This is some bulls--t.'"
Fatone clarified that his frustration wasn't directed at Timberlake's solo ambitions, but rather at how their handlers managed the situation. "You are basically just pushing us aside a little bit to do this," he explained. "But yet, you still want us around to introduce him."
The 49-year-old singer emphasized that better communication could have smoothed the transition. "It is totally fine. But talk to us," Fatone said. "Have a conversation. Say, 'Hey, we're promoting Justin. He has an album out. We're not here for *NSYNC right now.' If you would have had that conversation, it would have been a lot easier for me personally."
Fatone described the group's dissolution as lacking closure. "That was the weird thing about it," he added. "Nobody really had a conversation, per se. There was never a button, there was never a goodbye. There was never anything."
The singer recalled another instance where the record company seemed to prioritize Timberlake's solo career, describing a planned group red carpet appearance that ultimately featured only Timberlake. "It was almost like the record company was pushing us away and making sure Justin was getting his due," Fatone said.
Despite these frustrations, Fatone expressed understanding for Timberlake's position. "I don't blame Justin for how the situation played out," he said. "It must have been very difficult to leave. Somebody should have said something."
Boy Band Confidential premieres on Investigation Discovery on April 13 and 14, offering new insights into the inner workings of popular boy bands during their heyday.