It is the most talked about documentary of the year and tonight it is being broadcast to a UK audience for the first time.

The New York Times documentary, Framing Britney Spears, has been all over social media since its release on US streaming platform Hulu.

The doc has sparked discussion over the star’s conservatorship under her father, how she has been treated by the media and her public breakup with fellow pop star Justin Timberlake.

Last week, Justin Timberlake made a public apology to his former girlfriend and singer Janet Jackson following the response to the documentary.

Timberlake has previously been accused of misogyny by some over the way he treated Spears during their relationship and break up, as well a performance he did with Jackson at the Super Bowl in 2004.

The documentary featured a clip of an interview with Timberlake, in which he discussed how he hired an impersonator of her for the music video of Cry Me A River.

Spears and Timberlake had a high-profile relationship in the late 1990s and early 2000s, before splitting in 2002.

Jackson, 54, and Timberlake, 40, performed at the Super Bowl in 2004 together, with the controversial wardrobe malfunction happening during the track Rock Your Body.

As he sang the lyric “I’ll have you naked by the end of this song”, Timberlake pulled at a part of Jackson’s costume, exposing her right breast, which was covered only by a silver decoration.

Dorset Echo: Justin Timberlake said his apology is a ‘first step and doesn’t absolve the past’. (PA)Justin Timberlake said his apology is a ‘first step and doesn’t absolve the past’. (PA)

Timberlake, 40, said in a lengthy social media post: “I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right.

“I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism.

“I specifically want to apologise to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”

He added that he felt “compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from”.

Timberlake said his industry is “flawed”, adding: “It sets men, especially white men, up for success. It’s designed that way.

“As a man in a privileged position I have to be vocal about this.

“Because of my ignorance, I didn’t recognise it for all that it was while it was happening in my own life but I do not want to ever benefit from others being pulled down again.”

He said his apology is a “first step and doesn’t absolve the past”.

“I care deeply about the wellbeing of the people I love and have loved. I can do better and I will do better,” he said.

Dorset Echo: Framing Britney Spears will will air on Sky from 9pm on Tuesday. (PA)Framing Britney Spears will will air on Sky from 9pm on Tuesday. (PA)

UK fans of Britney Spears have had to wait to watch the documentary but now that wait is over.

Sky TV has announced the documentary will be available to stream on Now TV and Sky Documentaries from today (February 16).

In a post shared to Instagram, Britney appeared to address the documentary, writing that "no matter what we think we know about a person's life, it is nothing compared to the actual person's life".

The doc, which also discusses Britney’s mental health issues will air on Sky at 9pm on Tuesday.