Did Justin Timberlake Trick Jessica Biel With A Trip To The 'Palmer' Set?

Gettyimages | Dan MacMedan

Gettyimages | Matt Winkelmeyer

People have been talking about Justin Timberlake and the rumors that he's stepping out on Jessica Biel with his costar Alisha Wainwright. While they were filming their upcoming movie Palmer together in New Orleans, Timberlake was caught on video holding Wainwright's hand while she touched his thigh. They were out with coworkers and Timberlake was clearly intoxicated, but it got the gossip mill turning.

After the video and photos were released, Timberlake's rep released a statement denying that anything inappropriate was going on between Timberlake and Wainwright, calling it "completely innocent."

"It’s a balcony with a group of people and it was definitely nothing happening. He’s down there shooting [his film] Palmer, they’re starring in the movie together and they’re cool and everybody was just hanging out.

The video may look a way, but literally it was nothing. It was some friends, members of the team, crew and people like that. They all know each other and were hanging. Like come on, they’re on an open balcony in New Orleans and he’s famous. It was nothing."

Gettyimages | Slaven Vlasic

However, the rumors persisted, so Timberlake released an apology on his Instagram account.

"I stay away from gossip as much as I can, but for my family I feel it is important to address recent rumors that are hurting the people I love. A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgment — but let me be clear — nothing happened between me and my costar. I drank way too much that night and I regret my behavior. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that. I am incredibly proud to be working on Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it."

Gettyimages | Frazer Harrison

However, a source told Hollywood Life that things are not well between the couple.

"She’s been really hurt by the photos of Justin and Alisha. She felt upset and embarrassed above everything else. She’s a very private person and was pretty angry to put it lightly. Jessica’s not one of those actresses who wanted to be a celebrity. She doesn’t like being involved in this kind of a story and has been laying as low as possible. It’s clear it has taken a toll on them as a couple.

Jessica and Justin have been doing a lot of talking about it and he sees how much it has hurt her. Now, they seem to be doing a bit better since the photographs came out."

According to Perez Hilton, Timberlake attempted to bring Biel to set in order to put her mind at ease. According to Us Weekly, he "told Jessica to come down to New Orleans while he is shooting [Palmer] so she can see for herself that nothing is going on between him and Alisha."

However, when Biel arrived, Wainwright was no longer on set, apparently having wrapped up her part in the film already. Did this gesture help or hurt their marriage?