5 Shocking Revelations About The Justin Timberlake And Alisha Wainwright Incident And Where They Are Now

The infamous 2019 photos of Justin Timberlake holding hands with his co-star, Alisha Wainwright, sent shockwaves across the globe, threatening to derail his marriage to actress Jessica Biel and casting a shadow over both their careers. While the initial media frenzy has long subsided, the incident remains a significant point of curiosity for fans, especially given the continuous public scrutiny of Timberlake's life, including his recent 2024 album release and 2025 tour schedule. This deep dive, updated for late 2025, reveals the full context of the "lapse in judgment," the immediate fallout, and the surprising long-term trajectories of all three individuals involved.

In the age of constant celebrity coverage, the true impact of a high-profile scandal often takes years to fully materialize. The controversy, which unfolded while the two were filming the movie Palmer, forced Timberlake into a rare public apology. But what happened after the headlines faded? Here are the most compelling facts and current updates on Justin Timberlake, Alisha Wainwright, and the state of their professional and personal lives today.

The Complete Biography and Context of the Co-Stars

To fully understand the weight of the New Orleans incident, it's essential to know the background of the two actors whose lives became intertwined on the set of the 2021 drama film, Palmer.

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Justin Timberlake (The Pop Icon)

• Full Name: Justin Randall Timberlake
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1981 (Age 44 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
• Spouse: Jessica Biel (married 2012)
• Career Highlights: Rose to fame as a member of the boy band *NSYNC*. Launched a massively successful solo career, earning the nickname "Prince of Pop." Major albums include Justified, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and the 2024 release Everything I Thought It Was. Notable film roles include The Social Network and Palmer.

Alisha Wainwright (The Rising Star)

• Full Name: Alisha Ena Wainwright
• Date of Birth: July 14, 1988 (Age 37 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Orlando, Florida, USA
• Background: Born to a mother from Jamaica and a father from Haiti.
• Career Highlights: Gained prominence for her role as werewolf Maia Roberts on the fantasy series Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments. She later starred as Nicole Reese in the Netflix sci-fi series Raising Dion. Her film career includes Death of a Telemarketer, Palmer, and the 2023 horror film There's Something Wrong With the Children.

The controversy ignited when photos and video surfaced in November 2019 showing Timberlake and Wainwright interacting closely on a balcony during a cast and crew outing in New Orleans. Timberlake was seen holding Wainwright's hand, and at one point, she was seen resting her hand on his knee. Both were reportedly intoxicated at the time, leading to the immediate assumption of a romantic entanglement.

The Immediate Fallout: Justin Timberlake’s Public Apology and the "Lapse in Judgment"

The media firestorm was intense, largely due to Timberlake's long-standing public image as a devoted husband to Jessica Biel and a family man. The photos were perceived as a direct threat to his marriage, which had been celebrated in the Hollywood community for over a decade.

Within days, the pressure forced Timberlake to issue a rare and direct public statement on his Instagram account.

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Key Points from the Public Apology:

1. The Admission: Timberlake confirmed the incident, stating he "drank way too much that night" and regretted his behavior.
2. The Denial of Infidelity: Crucially, he insisted that "nothing happened" between him and his co-star. The actions were attributed to a "lapse in judgment."
3. The Focus on Family: The apology was directed primarily at his wife, Jessica Biel, and their son, for putting them through an embarrassing situation.
4. The Context: He framed the action as a mistake made under the influence of alcohol, not a sign of deeper marital issues or a secret relationship.

Sources close to Alisha Wainwright also immediately backed up Timberlake's claim, stating that the two were simply co-stars who were friendly and that "it was nothing." The public apology, while criticized by some for being carefully managed, appeared to be enough to quell the immediate crisis and allow the couple to manage the situation privately.

The Long-Term Impact on Their Careers and Marriage in 2025

Years later, the most compelling question is whether the scandal had any lasting impact on their professional lives or the stability of the Timberlake-Biel marriage. The answer, based on their recent activities in 2024 and 2025, suggests that the commitment to marriage has endured and both careers remain robust.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: A United Front

Despite the high-profile nature of the incident, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel remain married, celebrating over a decade together. As of early 2025, sources close to the couple indicate they are "very committed to their marriage" and focused on their family, which includes their two children.

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Timberlake's career has also seen a major resurgence. In March 2024, he released his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was, which included a collaboration with his former band, *NSYNC*. He has since embarked on a major tour, demonstrating that the 2019 incident did not significantly diminish his star power or his ability to launch successful new projects. The most recent drama to face the star has been his 2024 drunk driving arrest, which has overshadowed the older controversy.

Alisha Wainwright: Focusing on Film and Television

For Alisha Wainwright, the controversy was a sudden, unwelcome burst of international attention. However, her career has continued to move forward steadily. She completed filming Palmer, which was released in 2021 and received positive reviews for her performance.

Since the incident, Wainwright has focused on diverse acting roles, including the lead role of Margaret Winslow in the 2023 horror film There's Something Wrong With the Children. Furthermore, her upcoming project, the film Bird in Hand, is scheduled for a 2025 release, showcasing her continued presence in the industry and her ability to secure new, high-profile roles. The scandal, while a major event, did not result in any visible long-term career setbacks for the actress.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Public Apology

The story of Justin Timberlake and Alisha Wainwright serves as a modern cautionary tale about celebrity life under the microscope. The incident was a brief, alcohol-fueled moment of indiscretion that was quickly contained by a swift and direct public apology from Timberlake. While the images of him holding his co-star's hand will forever remain a part of his public history, the long-term evidence suggests that both his marriage to Jessica Biel and Alisha Wainwright's professional trajectory have withstood the scandal.

Today, in late 2025, Justin Timberlake is focused on his music and tour, while Alisha Wainwright continues to build a strong filmography. The controversy has been largely relegated to a footnote in the much larger narrative of their respective careers.