Joey Fatone said bye bye bye to getting close to fans after this interaction.
Joey Fatone, best known as a member of the boy band *NSYNC with Justin Timberlake and others, recently shared a story about a fan who claimed he was the father of her child. He recounted the potentially scandalous situation from his time in the group.
Joey shared a story from when he was touring: a young woman came to his parents’ home and told his dad, “Hi, I’m [name], and I’m your son’s daughter.” He recounted this in the documentary Boy Band Confidential, according to Entertainment Weekly.
I remember him telling me that his parents absolutely freaked out when they met her. He said they called him right away, completely beside themselves.
You know, I’ve heard some amazing stories about unexpected connections. Just the other day, someone shared a memory with me about a woman calling, completely out of the blue. She introduced herself, explained she wasn’t looking for anything financially, and reminded him they’d crossed paths sometime in the past. It was such a sweet, genuine moment – a reminder that people often reach out just to reconnect, not to ask for anything in return.
Joey recalled meeting a girl – he didn’t mention her name – after *NSYNC’s very first concert in 1996.
He confessed they’d met, spent time together, and had a really good night. But after that, he hadn’t seen her again. He was now worried, thinking his career was finished and wondering if he had a child – and if that child was his.
When Joey finally came home from tour, I was shocked to see that woman back – and this time, she was threatening to sue him! It was awful.
Joey remembered being surprised by a paternity suit, where he was asked to take a blood test to determine if he was the father. Shortly after, he received a birth certificate listing him and the woman as parents, complete with the baby’s footprint. He said his mother was extremely upset by the news.
However, it was the paperwork that actually provided a valuable clue in the ruse.
He explained that the text used one font, but his name was written in a completely different one, and it looked like someone had used white-out on it. He insisted the woman was simply fabricating the story.
Honestly, that near-disaster with Joey? It totally flipped a switch in him. He’s said it himself – it completely changed how he sees us, his fans. It made him realize how much we mean to him, and it’s like he’s so much more connected to us now. It’s amazing, really!
“That was the reason why,” he shared. “That’s not what I signed up for.”
For more facts you might not have known about *NSYNC, keep reading…
When Chris Kirkpatrick, then 23 years old, wasn’t chosen to be in the Backstreet Boys – the first successful group put together by manager Lou Pearlman – he let Pearlman know he still wanted to be part of a band.
Pearlman provided the funding, and Kirkpatrick took on the task of recruiting other members. This led to a lengthy process of reviewing demos and watching audition tapes. They discovered 14-year-old Justin Timberlake, a former cast member of The All-New Mickey Mouse Club and an aspiring singer, who then suggested 19-year-old JC Chasez, another Mickey Mouse Club alum. As Christina Aguilera recalled to Rolling Stone, JC was the more mature figure, and Justin looked up to him.
The search went on in Orlando, and Kirkpatrick remembered Joey Fatone, an 18-year-old he’d met while working at Universal Studios. However, they were still looking for someone with a lower vocal range.
Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys, a longtime friend of Chris Kirkpatrick, later reflected on how fortunate things turned out. He told Pop Crush in 2015 that the Backstreet Boys had asked their manager, Lou Pearlman, to support Chris and help him pursue his musical aspirations. Pearlman then worked with Chris to create a new group, which eventually evolved into *NSYNC.
2. But Lance wasn’t the first fifth member of *NSYNC!
That was Jason Galasso, who’s known Joey Fatone since their high school choir days. He recently received an unexpected call from Fatone. Interestingly, Galasso also knew Justin Chasez, as he shared on the The Digital Get Down podcast in 2019 – he used to spend time with the stars of The Mickey Mouse Club.
After singing “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, he joined the group. He remembered thinking Justin was very young at the time, but then he heard him sing. He quickly realized Justin’s age didn’t matter because he was an incredibly talented singer.
Galasso, who now works in mortgages, remembers being torn because the bass singer was also part of another group, Unreal. He explained that he came from a background in R&B and hip-hop, making the decision even harder.
Honestly, when Max first played me some of that European techno stuff, I wasn’t sure what to think – I just kind of went, ‘Okay… interesting.’ But then he and the Unreal guys headed down to Atlanta to record a demo, and he was SO excited about it. He really thought they’d nailed it, and honestly, seeing him so happy made me think it was amazing too!
At the same time, *NSYNC was developing their image and planning a performance at Disney’s Pleasure Island.
Soon, both groups were eager for his signature. Galasso explained that he had the two contracts reviewed by a lawyer, who found the deal with the first group was fairly typical. However, the contract from Pearlman was much more complex – it was incredibly long and detailed, and even listed Pearlman himself as a sixth member of *NSYNC.
So Galasso ultimately went with the group that wasn’t *NSYNC.
The group’s name, *NSYNC, actually comes from the last letters of the first names of its members: Justin, Chris, Joey, Jason, and JC. Interestingly, Justin Timberlake’s mother also noticed how well they harmonized, commenting that they sounded “in sync.”
The other members of *NSYNC playfully asked Lance if he’d consider changing his name slightly to fit the group’s branding. This led to the temporary nickname “Lanceton.” As Lance Bass explained in 2015, they called him that for about a year as a joke, with Justin Timberlake being the first to suggest it. The nickname didn’t last long, fading away once they signed a record deal and became well-known. They were considering either “Lanceton” or “Landon” as alternatives.
After building a strong fanbase in Germany over a couple of years – thanks to hits like “I Want You Back” and “Tearin’ Up My Heart,” which were written by Max Martin – NSYNC finally caught their big break in the United States. This opportunity came about when the Backstreet Boys declined to perform on a “Disney Channel in Concert” special, as Bass remembers, and NSYNC stepped in.
Oh my gosh, NSYNC In Concert came out in ’98, and honestly, thank goodness for cable! Disney Channel played it constantly. Seriously, it was everything! Lance Bass even said it totally changed their career, and he thinks that one concert is what really made them huge in America. I mean, I knew it was special, but to hear that…it just confirms it! That concert was magic.
The guys were all in Miami for a charity basketball game when they ordered room service before a press event. Joey Fatone was at least 15 minutes late because he was waiting for a new burger – he’d discovered someone had already taken a bite out of his! According to Justin Timberlake, as shared on the Inside of You With Michael Rosenbaum podcast, he’d mischievously taken a bite just to prank Fatone.
That was hilarious! I’ve never seen Joey so worked up over something small,” Bass explained. “He was likely just tired, but we still tease him about that reaction constantly. Seriously, all the time.
While Fatone reportedly got upset over a half-eaten burger, Bass confessed he wasn’t always calm either. He explained to Rosenbaum that Kirkpatrick’s constant joking during interviews could be frustrating. Bass described Kirkpatrick as energetic and funny, but added that when someone constantly cracks jokes during numerous interviews – sometimes twenty a day with five different people – it can become exhausting.
I often found myself getting frustrated and telling him to just answer the question so we could finish the interview, as we were all exhausted. He consistently made our interviews take at least twice as long as they should have.
I remember a time when things got really hectic for them – they didn’t even have time for haircuts, let alone anything fancy like bleaching their hair! Bass actually told me that’s how the frosted tips look started. He said he just started applying bleach with his fingertips whenever he had a moment, and that’s honestly how it all began. It was a totally spontaneous, on-the-go thing!
Now you know.
In 2000, the members of NSYNC received diamond and platinum pendants from their manager, Johnny Wright, to commemorate their 1997 debut album selling 10 million copies – earning it diamond status. Wright had previously worked as a road manager for New Kids on the Block with his wife, Donna. According to Rolling Stone*, Justin Timberlake jokingly declared, “We are diamond… Screw all of you. I’m done. Forget this boy-band thing.”
While *NSYNC’s members eventually became wealthy, they had to fight for their earnings. Their manager, Lou Pearlman, who died in prison in 2016 while serving a 25-year sentence for fraud and money laundering, was reportedly cheating them, as well as the Backstreet Boys and O-Town, out of their money.
I remember back in 1998, Lou Pearlman flew all of us and our families out to L.A. for what he called a check presentation party. It was a really lavish event, and each of us received a $10,000 check. I shared this story with 20/20 back in 2019, looking back on that whole experience.
Despite being in one of the most popular bands ever and selling millions of albums, Bass found himself struggling financially – he couldn’t even afford his rent or a car. He was so upset he tore up a check when he returned to his hotel. Kirkpatrick explained that despite their massive success, they weren’t making nearly as much money as people might think.
When NSYNC discovered their contracts gave Lou Pearlman a share of their earnings – treating him like a sixth member and entitling him to one-sixth of their profits plus management fees – they decided to switch record labels to Jive Records. This led to a $150 million lawsuit filed against them by TransContinental Records and BMG, the companies that had initially distributed their first album. NSYNC filed a counter-suit for $25 million, and the case was settled in 1999 for an undisclosed amount. Crucially, the settlement allowed them to continue performing and recording under the name *NSYNC.
Their second album, No Strings Attached, which came out in March 2000 and was a huge success, was full of symbolism and hidden meaning.
The phrase “No Strings Attached” became the central idea, inspired by the song “I’ve Got No Strings” from Disney’s Pinocchio, as Kirkpatrick explained to 20/20. He said it became their motto, representing their freedom from obligations and their commitment to each other and their fans.
Chasez first gained recognition winning a talent show in seventh grade with a performance of Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting.” Later, Marx went on to write and produce “I Promise You” for the group No Strings. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Chasez described the group’s album as energetic and dynamic, noting that no vocals were delivered passively. He specifically pointed to a noticeable influence from Michael Jackson in the rhythmic delivery of the lyrics—the way phrases were sharply cut and emphasized, mirroring Jackson’s own style.
Timberlake explained they were frustrated, saying, “We’re just upset we didn’t get the recognition we deserved.” He quickly added with a laugh, “I’m just kidding—I’m kidding.”
Throughout much of the album’s creation, the artists felt disconnected from their record labels. They were dissatisfied with TransContinental and hadn’t yet fully settled at Jive Records, which was also home to rising stars like Britney Spears – whose relationship with Justin Timberlake was an open secret – and the Backstreet Boys.
No Strings Attached sold 2.4 million copies in its first week out, including 1.1 million on day one.
Just a year later, Jackson joined NSYNC on stage. It first happened at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards, right as NSYNC finished performing “Pop,” and the crowd went wild even before he sang a note. Then, a few days later, they performed “Dancing Machine” together at the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, a two-day concert at Madison Square Garden that aired on CBS in November.
In 2016, Lance Bass shared on The Meredith Vieira Show that Michael Jackson didn’t talk to him for a year after a concert at Madison Square Garden. The issue stemmed from Jackson asking Bass and Joey Fatone to stay until the end of the show to perform “Heal the World” as a group, explaining it was “for the children.” Bass accidentally giggled, and Jackson, who was completely serious, took offense.
After finding financial success, the members of *NSYNC naturally began to enjoy their earnings. In March 2000, Justin Timberlake made his first major purchases: a Mercedes and a BMW M Roadster, quickly adding a Dodge Viper, Audi TT, Porsche 911, and Cadillac Escalade to his collection over the next year. Kevin Richardson bought a black Cadillac truck and also homes and cars for his family. Several members, including JC Chasez, purchased homes in Orlando, and Chris Kirkpatrick bought a house for his mother. Joey Fatone acquired properties in Orlando, Mississippi, and a place in the Floribama region.
Justin Timberlake described his Orlando home as having a unique style. He mentioned a white grand piano, a white couch, and a tapestry featuring knights on horseback. A standout piece is an acrylic statue of a nude couple, a gift from a friend, that glows when lit. He has a game room decorated in a tropical style – nicknamed the ‘Jimmy Buffett’ room – and a country-style kitchen that evokes his childhood. The bedroom has a safari theme, complete with a Japanese screen and a large sleigh bed.
The next year, Chasez shared that he had developed a passion for red wine and had spent $2,500 on a book of photographs by Helmut Newton.
Around the year 2000, shortly before NSYNC’s album No Strings Attached was released, Justin Kirkpatrick was dating someone he’d been with for about a year before the band became famous. That relationship didn’t last, and he later married Karly Skladany in 2013. They had been together for three years, and all of his former NSYNC bandmates attended the wedding.
Timberlake continued to downplay his relationship with Spears, calling her “a good friend” and telling Rolling Stone that he preferred to keep any romantic life private. He explained that if he ever did start dating someone, he believed it was best to keep the relationship personal.
Before marrying Michael Turchin in 2014, Lance Bass dated actress Danielle Fishel, even taking her to prom. He publicly came out as gay in 2006.
Fatone and Kelly Baldwin had an on-again, off-again relationship starting in 1993, but they were together when their daughter, Briahna, was born in March 2001. They married in 2004 and later welcomed another daughter, Kloey Alexandra, in 2010. Unfortunately, they separated in 2019.
Chasez often dated women – in 2001, he was with Bobbie Thomas, who later started a blog after noticing how the media covered Britney Spears. However, he’s generally kept his personal life very private. He publicly revealed his relationship with Jennifer HuYoung in a Valentine’s Day Instagram post in 2019.
By the year 2000, each member of *NSYNC was pursuing individual projects. Justin Timberlake founded a foundation supporting music and arts programs in schools. JC Chasez was producing music for the girl group Wild Orchid, while Chris Kirkpatrick launched his own company, Fuman Skeeto, focusing on fashion and music production. Lance Bass started Freelance Management, with the goal of developing country music artists.
Putting aside the enthusiastic young fans, they weren’t deliberately trying to be overly cute to attract children and their mothers.
In a 2000 interview with Rolling Stone, Justin Timberlake explained that his group doesn’t try to appear intentionally charming or adorable. He said they simply embrace their natural selves, acting like the guys they are – complete with all the usual, unrefined behaviors.
Kirkpatrick saw himself as the ultimate “guy’s guy” within the group. In a 2001 interview with Rolling Stone, he described himself as if he were created by a group of college friends who wanted to design a wild and unconventional person.
The writer portrayed Bass as exceptionally kind, down-to-earth, and patient, even commenting on his good looks, which were so striking they were almost feminine. He was also described as perpetually cheerful. In contrast, Chasez was said to be very different offstage than when performing – quiet and unassuming, to the point where people might not even notice him walking by.
Fatone was a lively and energetic person, always seeming ready to have fun and create excitement, like he could spark a celebration at any moment.
During a rehearsal in New Orleans in 2001, a platform unexpectedly rose, trapping Joey Fatone’s leg between it and the stage. Surprisingly, he didn’t break any bones, but the impact severely exposed the muscle and tissue in his lower leg.
Bass described a severe injury, telling Rolling Stone that there was a hole you could see all the way through, exposing the bone. He explained they immediately applied pressure, but fat tissue was leaking out. Despite being able to tolerate pain, the injured person screamed, and it appeared a bullet had gone clean through their leg.
Chasez explained that the boy was hospitalized after getting his leg trapped between two metal objects. Doctors had to remove a portion of his leg and clean out the metal fragments. Chasez was amazed he didn’t suffer any broken bones, describing him as a very resilient child.
Oh my gosh, a few weeks later, Joey was back! After needing a cane to walk, he was actually dancing on stage! It was amazing, but Justin noticed he was clearly still hurting. He said Joey’s a total pro, though – a true performer. Justin explained that Joey’s been doing this way longer than any of us, so he just knows how to hide when he’s struggling and still give an incredible show. It was honestly inspiring to watch!
Looking back, NSYNC wasn’t known for wild behavior. The group members acknowledge they enjoyed themselves, but they weren’t troublemakers and generally stayed out of trouble. Justin Timberlake preferred a simple Jack and Coke and often volunteered to be the designated driver. He explained to Rolling Stone that he didn’t want to be a bad influence, especially on young fans. He recalled being upset as a child when he discovered his sister drinking, and said he understood the impact celebrities have on their audience. He even claimed he could have fun with just water and feel* like he was drinking alcohol.
19. Fame hadn’t come overnight, but once it did, it was a whole new world.
Bass explained to Rolling Stone that people often misunderstand the entertainment industry. He compared it to discovering the unglamorous reality behind the magic of Disney World – like seeing Cinderella having a cigarette in the backstage tunnels. It quickly dispels the illusion.
Timberlake shared that he’s faced some difficult times and has struggled with depression. He credits his faith with helping him cope. He explained that he feels like he has two sides – the public persona everyone sees, and the more private, everyday person. He feels those two sides are currently in a good place, and that prioritizing his personal well-being, even if it’s not always visible to others, is important to him.
Fatone explained that it’s best not to overshare. He believes revealing something private that fans might be disappointed by could really hurt them.
If anyone thought *NSYNC was just a group of individuals who happened to get lucky, they’d be mistaken. The group was a cohesive unit, not just a random collection of talents.
Back in 2001, while appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live, Kirkpatrick explained that the group’s strong friendship was evident in their performances. He said their close connection meant every show felt unique and spontaneous, filled with playful interaction and lighthearted fun between the members.
When King pointed out that band members often have personal conflicts, Timberlake explained that their connection is incredibly strong. He shared that during last summer’s tour, he and Chris had an unspoken understanding – a single look could convey a whole conversation, thanks to their long history together.
The band explored their frustrations with fame and public life on their 2001 album, Celebrity.
By that time, Timberlake and Spears were publicly a couple – he described her to Rolling Stone as his everything, saying she made him incredibly happy and felt like a lifesaver. Bass agreed, noting how perfectly suited they seemed. Meanwhile, NSYNC’s PopOdyssey tour was reportedly earning them $2.5 million per night.
As someone who’s watched music trends for years, I remember Justin Timberlake saying something really insightful back in 2000. He was talking about all the boy bands popping up, and he predicted we’d soon see who had real staying power. He was actually a little concerned there were just too many groups out there, and that the market would get flooded.
Well, the other boy bands wouldn’t have to worry about it for long.
In 2002, after finishing their Celebrity Tour, *NSYNC took what was called a “temporary break.” The real reason was to allow Justin Timberlake to pursue his solo career, and that break ultimately became permanent. Despite this, the group never officially announced they were breaking up.
Chasez explained to the Huffington Post in 2019 that after doing something for a while, you naturally fall into a routine and start craving new challenges. He said that the group felt they’d explored every possible angle with their existing work and decided it was time to try something completely different, which is exactly what they did.
Bass explained that he and the other band members didn’t have any personal issues. What really upset him was learning Justin had left the band – and that everyone else, including their record label and management, had known about it for three years before telling him.
For three years, I was preparing for a new album while everyone around me thought we were finished with that stage of things.
After NSYNC disbanded as its members pursued individual careers, Justin Timberlake achieved major success as a solo artist. He released his first album, Justified, in November 2002 and continued to focus on his own work. However, the reason the other NSYNC members didn’t attend his wedding to Jessica Biel in Italy in 2012 wasn’t related to his success; it was something else entirely.
So could their reunion performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards have been more hyped?!
It was brief and enjoyable, and everything went smoothly. Little did they know, it was only the beginning of a long series of similar events.
Looking back on why he stayed closeted during his time in NSYNC, Lance Bass explained at the group’s 2018 Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony that he was afraid of being rejected and, more importantly, didn’t want to risk the careers of his bandmates or the many people who worked hard to make NSYNC successful.
I worried that revealing I was gay would end *NSYNC, so I kept it hidden. We were achieving everything we’d hoped for and I’m still grateful for that success. However, during countless concerts, seeing so many young LGBTQ+ fans passionately singing along, I desperately wanted them to know I was one of them. I simply didn’t feel strong enough to share that at the time. But I am now, and I want to proudly thank all my LGBTQ+ siblings who have supported me and helped me embrace my true self.
It’s easy to see he’s likely gained many more fans now that he’s being his authentic self. Anyone who stopped supporting him wasn’t worth having as a fan anyway.
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2026-04-29 22:20