Justin Timberlake has spoken out in support of his ex Britney Spears following her explosive court appearance.

The former NSYNC star dated Britney from 1999 to 2002 and recently faced a wave of criticism in the wake of the ‘Framing Britney Spears’ documentary, which explored his treatment of the pop star after their breakup. 

But after the Toxic hitmaker spoke out via video link to a Los Angeles court on June 23 and demanded an end to her conservatorship – which prevents the singer from controlling various aspects of her life – Justin led the stars voicing their support for Britney. 

Insisting the situation is “just not right,” he tweeted: “After what we saw today, we should all be supporting Britney at this time. Regardless of our past, good and bad, and no matter how long ago it was… what’s happening to her is just not right.

“No woman should ever be restricted from making decisions about her own body. No one should EVER be held against their will… or ever have to ask permission to access everything they’ve worked so hard for.

“Jess [Biel, wife] and I send our love, and our absolute support to Britney during this time. We hope the courts, and her family make this right and let her live however she wants to live.”

During the hearing, Britney told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny the conservatorship had left her “traumatised” and living in a state of “denial”. 

“I’ve lied and told the whole world ‘I’m okay. And I’m happy.’ It’s a lie,” she said. “I thought [if] just maybe I said that enough… Because I’ve been in denial. I’ve been in shock. I am traumatised. 

“You know, fake it till you make it. But now I’m telling you the truth. Okay? I’m not happy,” insisted the Work B**ch hitmaker. “I can’t sleep. I’m so angry. It’s insane. And I’m depressed. I cry every day.”

As Britney pleaded with the judge to call time on the 13-year-old legal arrangement, stars flocked to social media to share their support, with Mariah Carey writing: “We love you Britney!!! Stay strong.”

“I am utterly heartbroken reading @britneyspears comments right now! This HAS to end,” added Steps’ Ian ‘H’ Watkins. “We’re ALL behind you xx #FreeBritney.”

And Rebecca Ferguson posted: “Placed on drugs and forced to work ? is this not slavery/ trafficking? It goes against basic human rights! Nobody deserves this! Entertainers are not there to be abused by anybody! #FreeBritney.”