Cameron Diaz Received ‘Substantial’ Amount of Money While Dating Justin Timberlake — Here Is How

• Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake dated in the early 2000s and faced many rumors during their nearly four-year relationship.
• One of the most damaging stories that they had to deal with was the accusation that Diaz had an affair with a married man while with Timberlake.
• Diaz sued two media outlets that published the story and received a substantial amount of money in damages.

Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake, one of the most famous celebrity couples in the early 2000s, surprised fans when they announced their separation after nearly four years together in January 2007. The couple addressed their split in a joint statement, emphasizing mutual respect and friendship despite parting ways romantically.

In an era where celebrity relationships often play out in the public eye, Diaz and Timberlake chose a path of privacy, attempting to shield their romance from the relentless glare of paparazzi cameras. But there wasn't much they could do to stop the media's intrusion, and their relationship faced many rumors and speculations.

Around the time they were together, Diaz received a substantial amount of money from two media outlets that falsely accused her of having an affair with a married man while dating Timberlake. Here is how she got the money and what happened to their relationship.

How They Met and Fell in Love

In April 2003, the paths of Diaz and Timberlake intersected at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, where they jointly presented an award. A spark ignited, and by July, Diaz had joined Timberlake on the road during his tour with Christina Aguilera.

Their union seemed unconventional initially – Timberlake, a former NSYNC member with a history involving Britney Spears, was nine years younger than Diaz, who had previously been romantically linked to movie stars such as Jared Leto and Matt Dillon.

Contrary to expectations, they defied skeptics, weathering relentless rumors with grace. Their approach to their relationship was notably private. They seldom allowed interviews to delve into their personal lives, as they consciously kept a boundary between their private and professional spheres.

They intentionally avoided Hollywood's bustling scene, a strategic choice to preserve their privacy and dignity. In their own words, they emphasized the importance of respecting each other's boundaries, steering clear of contributing to the media frenzy that often engulfs high-profile relationships.

Diaz's Fight Against Intruding Paparazzi and Negative Press

Diaz and Timberlake had to deal with a lot of negative press and false stories that tried to tarnish their image and their relationship. They faced near-constant speculation that they were engaged, cheating, or breaking up.

They also had to cope with the harassment and intrusion of the paparazzi, who followed them everywhere and sometimes resorted to violence. In July 2004, Timberlake found himself entangled in a legal skirmish with the British tabloid News of the World.

The publication had alleged that Timberlake had cheated on Diaz with model Lucy Clarkson. Denying these allegations vehemently, Timberlake took legal action. He filed a libel suit, seeking damages and an apology. The case, a simmering controversy, reached a resolution out of court in 2005.

May of the same year would also witness Diaz fighting her own battle against tabloid speculation. In the midst of legal proceedings with The Sun in July 2005, Diaz found herself entangled in another courtroom drama.

Earlier that week, a photographer who had taken topless photos of her resorted to a disturbing attempt to exploit her newfound fame. The photographer's audacious scheme involved attempting to sell the compromising photos back to Diaz for a staggering $3.5 million.

This distressing episode took a legal turn as the photographer faced serious charges, including forgery, attempted grand theft, and perjury. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the potential consequence of up to six years in prison. Diaz, undeterred by these exploitative tactics, pursued justice through the legal system.

But before taking her battles to court, Diaz had resorted to a physical fight against tabloid intrusion, earning herself a reputation for being a female Sean Penn. In 2004, near the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, she confronted paparazzi who had ambushed her and Timberlake.

Startled by two photographers jumping out of the bushes, Diaz seized a camera, allegedly striking one in the neck and tripping him. The ensuing legal battle resulted in a settlement in 2005.

Late 2006 brought another distressing encounter for Diaz, reminiscent of the 2004 incident. This time, at a friend's house in the Hollywood Hills, Diaz and Timberlake faced an eerily similar scenario. A photographer emerged from the shadows, chasing Diaz down the street.

In fear for her safety, Diaz and Timberlake, once again, resorted to law enforcement, filing a police report for assault with a deadly weapon. The repeated ambushes underscored the relentless challenges celebrities face in preserving their personal space amidst the relentless pursuit of paparazzi.

Diaz Wins Against False Accusations

Diaz faced a formidable challenge when false allegations of an affair surfaced in May 2005, perpetuated by two media giants: News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun, and American Media Inc., publisher of the National Enquirer.

The Sun published a story that suggested an affair between Diaz and Shane Nickerson, the producer of her MTV adventure show "Trippin'." The National Enquirer, in its May 2005 publication, showcased photos allegedly capturing Diaz and Nickerson in a compromising situation.

The story, subsequently picked up by The Sun in its print and online editions, led to Diaz vehemently denying the allegations. According to Diaz, the photos, merely depicting a goodbye hug between friends, were taken out of context.

Determined to clear her name, Diaz took legal action against both media outlets, suing for libel, damages, and an apology. The legal battle unfolded over the next two years, resulting in significant victories for Diaz.

In July 2005, Diaz emerged triumphant as The Sun admitted that the allegations were unfounded and should never have been published. The publication issued a public apology to Diaz, Timberlake, Nickerson, and his wife. Additionally, The Sun agreed to pay "substantial" libel damages, but the amount was never revealed.

The National Enquirer followed suit in February 2007, acknowledging the lack of foundation in their story and extending apologies to Diaz, Timberlake, Nickerson, and his wife. The damages, again as Diaz's lawyer put it, were "substantial" but remained undisclosed. As part of the settlements, both media outlets covered Diaz's legal expenses.

Diaz and Timberlake's Post-Breakup Journey

In January 2007, after an almost four-year journey together, Diaz and Timberlake announced their mutual decision to part ways romantically. In a statement, they expressed ending their relationship as friends with continued love and respect. They said:

"It has always been our preference not to comment on the status of our relationship, but out of respect for the time we've spent together, we feel compelled to do so now, in light of recent speculation and the number of inaccurate stories that are being reported by the media."

Remarkably, the former couple managed to preserve a positive connection post-breakup. In 2011, they reunited professionally on the set of "Bad Teacher," portraying ex-lovers engaged in a humorous rivalry. Despite the dissolution of their romantic involvement, Diaz and Timberlake displayed no signs of awkwardness or animosity.

The professional reunion highlighted the mature and amicable nature of their relationship. Despite having moved on romantically, Diaz and Timberlake shared a laughter-filled set. Diaz emphasized the ease of working with Timberlake, praising his comedic genius and talent and underlining their shared history as merely part of their broader narrative.

Diaz, in interviews surrounding the project, downplayed any notion of lingering tension, emphasizing that they were two professionals who had once shared a chapter in their lives. The collaborative effort on set was seamless, reflecting the maturity and professionalism that both Diaz and Timberlake brought to the table.