Justin Timberlake’s eyes are troubling fans following his latest appearance on Saturday Night Live.
The 42-year-old appeared on the comedy sketch show this Saturday to promote his newly released single “Selfish” and his upcoming album Everything I Thought I Was, released on March 15.
Timberlake reunited with his The Social Network co-star Dakota Johnson, who was hosting this weekend’s broadcast. The “SexyBack” singer crashed the actress’s monologue, along with surprise guest and Timberlake’s long-time pal, Jimmy Fallon.
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“Shut up,” Timberlake said, after sneaking up behind the 34-year-old and making her jump.
“I remember those days Dakota,” he continued, to which Johnson replied: “What are you doing up here? Are you lost?”
“I heard my name, I thought that was my cue,” Timberlake said, making the audience chuckle.
“Oh no,” Johnson tells him. “You’re the musical guest.”
Timberlake then offers to be in any sketches, before reminding the audience that he’s hosted five times before.
“Yeah well, that was 10 years ago,” Johnson responded. “Either way, I’m so happy you chose my show for your comeback.”
Fallon joined the pair on stage shortly afterward, dressed as Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees.
SNL shared the scene to Instagram on Sunday, with many fans were pleased to see the “Prince of Pop” making a return.
However, other users were distracted by Timberlake’s “wild” eyes in the clip.
“Sorry but, what’s wrong with Justin’s eyes????” asked Flor Morelli.
“Dude has serial killer eyes,” said alle_naturliche.
“He looks scary,” wrote @personablyme.
“Why does his eye look like he’s on crack,” said Phillip Kam.
“His eyes look wild…what happened here,” wondered Jewel Carey.
Newsweek has reached out to Justin Timberlake, Dakota Johnson and Jimmy Fallon for comment via email.
Some viewers criticized Timberlake and Fallon for interrupting Johnson’s monologue, calling the move “classless.”
“I really hate that Justin and Jimmy took her moment,” commented Antoinette Gentry.
“Two men who just couldn’t let a woman have the spotlight on them and they had to upstage her,” said @minnimommy10.
“Trying to take over another woman’s success AGAIN,” wrote @thesacredbliss, seeming to reference the feud between Timberlake fans and supporters of his ex-girlfriend, Britney Spears.
The former boyband star recently came under fire following the release of Spears’ memoir, The Woman in Me. Released in October, the book included details of her relationship with Timberlake, whom she dated from 1999 to 2002.
Revelations included claims of infidelity on both sides, as well as accusations that Timberlake used the affair rumors to launch his solo career while damaging her reputation.
The memoir sparked backlash against Timberlake online, putting a rumored NSYNC reunion and comeback in jeopardy.
Despite the negative comments, other users applauded the VMA winner’s SNL appearance, with Sarah Alkhalifa writing: “JT KILLED IT.”
“The [Justin] hate will not be tolerated 😂 people need to go get a life !!!” said @stuckonlyssa.
“They can’t cancel Justin, talent always wins,” wrote Diego Paes Beckman.
“I loved this … didn’t think he was trying to upstage her at all,” said Kim Pollard. “In fact, he didn’t write the opening the writers did, and there’s been many hosts where either cast member members or other celebrities have made an appearance.”
Following its release on January 25, Timberlake’s new single, “Selfish,” shot straight to the top of the U.S. iTunes chart. The singer also announced The Forget Tomorrow World Tour during a recent appearance on Tonight with Jimmy Fallon, which kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, in April.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.