Apparently, Justin Timberlake’s new single “Take Back the Night” has the same name as a famous non-profit foundation that helps raise awareness of sexual violence and rape, and they are NOT happy about it.
In fact, the group is so pissed off at the title of JT’s new single that they’ve already sent him a letter threatening legal action if they aren’t able to resolve the “issue” amicably.
“Everyone at Take Back the Night is really shocked, because normally, we get asked when people want to use the name,” Take Back the Night Foundation Executive Director Katherine Koestner told Radar Online. “Normally entities as large as Justin Timberlake do very kind and thoughtful things to support our cause.”
But now, “We have some big concerns,” Koestner says. “For example, all of a sudden on Wikipedia, Take Back the Night has a different definition. That’s not been helpful.”
Also problematic is the fact that Timberlake’s R-rated lyrics don’t exactly support TBTN’s message. “The lyrics are definitely very sexual and not at all clearly anti-sexual violence,” she says. “‘Use me,’ for example, is not a great phrase for anyone affiliated with the organization.”
Koestner said she heard about the song before it was released, and TBTN tried to contact him through his website, but got no answer. So they sent him a letter from their lawyers basically saying “You used our name without our permission.”
“His legal agent got back to us and said they’re sorry,” she said. “His agent said ‘Justin’s a good guy! He’s a family man!’ They claimed he’d never heard of us before he wrote that song. I don’t know what country he’s been in. I suppose it could have slipped off his radar screen somehow. Somebody working for him definitely messed up.”
“It’s a big song, and he didn’t take the necessary steps to make sure that it was appropriate,” Koestner says. “Normally they do have due diligence.”
Koestner added that this is the first time they’ve had to threaten legal action against someone, as people usually comply with their requests.
In the past, for example, production staff for “The Devil Wears Prada” asked to use the name in the movie. “They made a donation to TBTN and contacted us to make sure it matched our mission and philosophy,” Koestner says. “Another good example is that CSI did an episode with our name and they staged an entire march and rally as part of the show. Not only did they donate to us, but they used our logo properly.”
“Usually people are pretty mindful because no one is actually ‘for’ sexual assault,” she explains. “This whole thing with Justin is just really unfortunate and we’re hoping it can be amicably resolved.”
In a statement sent to Radar, Justin addressed the concerns of the Take Back the Night organization, explaining that he wasn’t aware of the group before now, but since he’s become informed about it, he wants to support their 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.”
