Jessica Biel is opening up about one of the hardest things to navigate while being famous: motherhood.
While promoting her upcoming show “The Better Sister,” the actress, 43, sat down with InStyle for the magazine’s 2025 Summer digital cover and discussed how she protects her children, who, unlike their famous parents, did not sign up to be in the public eye.
Biel shares two sons — Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4 — with superstar singer Justin Timberlake, 44.
The star recalled one hard conversation she had with her oldest son before their rare public appearance last summer at the US Open.
Silas plays tennis and wanted to go to the event; however, Biel was somewhat hesitant considering how high-profile it is.
“It’s a tricky one, a tricky balance. We do really try hard not to expose them in a way that they’re not comfortable with,” Biel told the outlet. “My son was 9 at the time, and he’s a huge tennis fan — that’s his sport, that’s what he plays.”
Before they committed, Biel asked her firstborn if he was comfortable being photographed.
“We had this opportunity, and we talked about it. We talked about photographers. You know, ‘Are you comfortable with that?’ He can’t make these decisions on his own, but at this point, we can at least discuss what’s his opinion around it,” she explained.
Despite the conversation, Biel said she was still uneasy about the decision.
“You really want to give your kids every experience. I don’t know if it was the right decision, to be honest with you, but he and I had a good time,” the star added. “It’s scary every time. But it’s also their life. And so it’s this really tricky, tricky thing to figure out, what’s appropriate.”
Biel and Timberlake try their best to shield their boys, even keeping their faces off social media. While they are often included in the family photos rarely shown on the A-lister’s Instagram, Silas and Phineas’ faces are either covered or hidden.
“If he was a kid actor, he’d probably work all the time,” Biel shared of Silas, noting that while he’s a creative, she prefers he avoids showbiz until he’s old enough to make the decision for himself.
“And when you’re 18 years old, you want to be a professional? Have at it,” Biel said. “That’s your choice. That’s what I would like to hold on to, if possible, for him, you know?”
Biel and Timberlake began dating in 2007 and ended their relationship in March 2011 — but the breakup didn’t last long.
The actress and “SexyBack” singer reunited in November 2011 and got engaged one month later.
In October 2012, Biel and Timberlake said “I do” in Italy.
The pair’s marriage had weathered several storms, including cheating rumors and an arrest.
Speculations of an affair ran rampant in 2019 between Timberlake and Alisha Wainwright after the singer-turned-actor was caught holding hands with his “Palmer” co-star.
He addressed the rumors weeks later, publicly apologizing to his wife.
“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,” Timberlake wrote.
“This is not the example I want to set for my son,” he added. “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.”
In June 2024, Timberlake was also arrested for driving while intoxicated in Sag Harbor, New York; however, the charge was dropped when he pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired, a lesser charge. The “Cry Me a River” singer’s license was suspended in New York and he was hit with 25 hours of community service, a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, and had to issue a public statement.
“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” Timberlake said in September 2024.
