Justin Timberlake Offers Response to 'Take Back The Night' Criticism That Song Violates Foundation's Trademark

Justin Timberlake has released an official statement in response to criticism from the Take Back The Night Foundation after he violated the group's trademarked name with his new single. Timberlake confirmed that he hadn't heard of the organization prior to the release but expressed his support for the The Night's cause.

"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."

The group hasn't responded to Timberlake's response yet, but Katherine Koestner, the executive director of the organization, said that his ignorance of its existence showed the group had much more work to do.

"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," Koestner said. "It shows exactly how much work we have to do as an organization and as a cause to end sexual violence to get our visibility increased in pop culture."

She wasn't sure how well the song would work to promote the foundation's causes. She noted that although the lyrics were clearly not about sexual assault, they were about sex, and she didn't want to give the idea that the group was against sex as a whole. Still, she seemed positive and hoped that the two sides could work out an agreement to keep everyone happy.

"As a foundation, we're all about promoting healthy, respectful relationships," Koestner said. "So if Justin is on the side of healthy, respectful relationships, then we're a fan of his. And I hope we can move forward with his voice, and all of those throughout the world that stand against sexual violence."

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Justin Timberlake, 'Take Back The Night', The 20/20 Experience