Earlier this week, Justin Timberlake dropped a new single from his album 20/20 entitled “Take Back the Night,” and while fans rejoiced at the fresh tune, a well-known foundation of the same name is not too pleased.
The organization Take Back the Night, which "serves to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives,” vocalized dissatisfaction with Timberlake’s name choice for his new song The Huffington Post reports. The foundation, primarily focused on bringing an "end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence," does not appreciate the lack of consent on the singer’s part to use the name.
Take Back the Night is threatening legal action against Timberlake, with foundation Executive Director Katherine Koestner telling Radar Online that she and the other executives “have some big concerns,” at the use of the name Take Back the Night for the single.
“For example, all of a sudden on Wikipedia, Take Back the Night has a different definition,” Koestner explained. “That’s not been helpful.”
On top of the shift in attention from the organization to a pop song, Koestner says that the lyrics of the song do not align with Take Back the Night’s message to combat sexual assault and domestic violence.
“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 further explained that in the past those who wish to use their name or logo have contacted the organization. As was the case with CSI , a march an rally were staged as part of the episode which included Take Back the Night, and she show executives also made a donation to the foundation.
Despite serious threats of legal action, Koestner says she hopes this dispute does not make it to the courtroom.
“Usually people are pretty mindful because no one is actually ‘for’ sexual assault,” Koestner said. “This whole thing with Justin is just really unfortunate and we’re hoping it can be amicably resolved.”
Check out Timberlake’s “Take Back the Night” in the video below (audio only):
Image: NBC