Britney Spears is finally telling her truth in The Woman in Me, her powerful new memoir. Now 43, the pop icon opens up about losing her virginity at 14 to her brother’s childhood friend—something she kept secret for nearly three decades.

She explained that early in her career, her team crafted a “virgin” image to appeal to her young fans. “If there’s even a rumor that you’ve had sex, you’re labelled a slut,” Britney wrote. This false narrative was maintained even during her high-profile relationship with Justin Timberlake, with whom she was already living.

Despite splitting from Timberlake in 2002, she continued to publicly deny her sexual past due to intense media control. “I was being shamed like I hadn’t followed the script,” she said, frustrated by the image forced upon her.

Since her 13-year conservatorship ended in 2021, Britney has become more vocal about the trauma it caused. Her memoir sheds light on the pressure, control, and silencing she endured, declaring: “I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone.”