Jessica Biel recently shared insights about the challenges of balancing fame with motherhood.
The 43-year-old actress discussed her experiences while promoting her upcoming series, “The Better Sister,” in a Summer 2025 feature for Instyle. During the conversation, she touched on how she approaches keeping her children safe.
Biel, who shares two sons with musician Justin Timberlake, reflected on a challenging discussion she had with her oldest son prior to their notable public outing last summer at the US Open.
Cyrus had expressed a desire to play tennis and attend events, but Biel felt a bit uneasy given their celebrity status.
“It’s a tricky balance. We try hard not to expose them in ways that make them uncomfortable,” Biel explained. “At nine years old, he’s a big tennis fan and really loves the sport.”
Before agreeing to any public appearances, Biel makes it a point to ask her son if he is okay with being photographed.
“We had a conversation about it. We discussed the photographer and asked, ‘Are you comfortable with this?'” She noted that while he’s too young to make all these decisions, they try to ensure he feels included in the conversation.
Despite the discussions, Biel admitted to feeling uncertain about the decision even after they engaged in the activity. “You want to expose your child to all the experiences, but I’m not always sure what the right choice is,” she mentioned, adding, “It’s always nerve-wracking, but it’s their life, too, and that’s challenging.”
Biel and Timberlake go to great lengths to protect their children, often keeping their faces out of social media. Family photos shared online usually obscure Silas and Phineas’ faces.
Biel reflected, “If he were a child actor, he’d probably have been working all the time.” She believes it’s vital to preserve some normalcy for them as they grow.
The couple began dating in 2007, briefly broke up in 2011, but reconciled shortly after. They got engaged a month later, and in October 2012, they tied the knot in Italy.
Their relationship has weathered several challenges, including scandalous rumors and Timberlake’s public missteps. In 2019, rumors surfaced following an incident involving him and actress Alisha Wainwright, which he publicly addressed later, apologizing to Biel.
Timberlake criticized his own behavior, stating, “A few weeks ago, I experienced a lapse in judgment, but let me be clear—nothing happened with my co-stars,” and expressed remorse for embarrassing his family.
In a separate incident in June 2024, Timberlake was arrested for impaired driving. Although he faced some penalties, including community service, he expressed hope that others could learn from his mistake.
Timberlake reflected, “This was a mistake, but I hope those watching can learn from it.” He emphasized his commitment to being a better husband and father.
