Disaster struck Justin Timberlake’s recent UK festival performance as the sound cut out, sparking a seemingly heated conversation on stage.
The Mirrors singer was midway through performing Cry Me A River when his microphone, the live band, and backing track went completely silent.
While the Lytham Festival crowd attempted to sing the lyrics until the sound returned but it seemed they would not be bringing sexy back for that song.
Afterwards, Justin, 44, was filmed on stage speaking with crew members in what appeared to be a short spat as he vented his frustration.
He seemed to discuss the time with one crew member, appearing to reassure the singer briefly as they tried to get things back on track.
Another man walked up, this time prompting sharp movements from Justin as he appeared to ‘scream’ at them, according to fans watching.
The 10-time Grammy winner, who was arrested last year for drunk driving, was branded ‘highly unprofessional’ by fans after the clip from July 5 was posted to TikTok.
‘Justin Timberlake fuming as sound cuts,’ wrote Aydannzacc on TikTok as they posted the clip, which now has over 630,000 views.
‘Losing it with your support crew is considered highly unprofessional in the world of stage performance…’ wrote Copa in the comments of Aydannzacc’s video.
Inksskni added: ‘Look I get it’s frustrating and all that but why is he so angry 😭 it’s being fixed as they speak to him, no reason to be kicking off, as the damage is done (so I guess I’ll be leaving) 💃.’#
On X, nonalisaney81 said: ‘Imagine screaming at your own team that helps you put your show together. What a clown.’
‘It’s embarrassing the behaviors Justin gets away with,’ wrote a dedicated Justin troll account titled ‘Justin Timberjail’.
They added: ‘Maybe if you treated your team with respect instead of throwing tantrums, your mic wouldn’t keep cutting out.’
Others defended Justin, with MidnightToker on TikTok arguing he was ‘justified’ as ‘they have had hours to get ready’.
‘I don’t blame him. He’s there to entertain. He was hired to perform for paying customers,’ added cheezyphish.
‘I’m actually so glad to see this because I thought he handled it way too calmly and professionally!’ said sarahjane_careersindig. ‘If it was anyone else they would have GONE OFF!! He was amazing though when the PA system came back on ♥️👏.’
‘He’s a perfectionist especially when it comes to his performances and shows! ❤️he’s the best,’ shared meggerz443.
X user bluvsnsync wrote: ‘I would be angry too if my set wasn’t working and i had 30k people waiting.’
The original TikTok poster shared that there were ‘some electrical issues’ but things were resolved ‘quickly’ and he finished his set.
Justin didn’t address the issue on social media, but posted a collection of snaps from the show with the caption: ‘Lytham, I LOVE Y’ALL!’
It seems this festival blunder won’t ruin the world tour after all.
Metro has reached out to Justin and Lytham Festival for comment.
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