LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent episode of her podcast 'Broad Ideas', Rachel Bilson unveiled a surprising and nostalgic chapter from her past, revealing the intriguing story of how her longtime best friend and podcast co-host Olivia Allen inadvertently disrupted what could have been a romantic encounter with pop sensation Justin Timberlake.
As per Bilson, the story unfolds in the early 2000s when she and Timberlake were both fixtures in the entertainment industry, and one day, the 'Jumper' actress found herself at a party where fate brought her into the 'Mirrors' singer's orbit.
While recalling the incident, she admitted, "I was so obsessed with him."
Rachel Bilson almost ended up with Justin Timberlake
However, it wasn't Rachel Bilson who narrated the entire incident as her friend, Olivia Allen, stepped in to shed light on the unforgettable night.
She described how they were mingling with Timberlake, who was at the time famous for hits with NSYNC.
"We were kicking it with him," recalled Allen, adding, "We were making friends with him."
But the plot took an unexpected twist when Timberlake began showing interest in Bilson. "[Rachel] went up to him, obviously, or he came to [Rachel]," explained Allen, continuing, "I got drunk and embarrassed myself a little because he was trying to flirt with Rachel."
Justin Timberlake termed Olivia Allen the 'enemy'
"I was drunk and I [sat] in between them," admitted Olivia Allen, adding, "I was just drunk and wanted to keep talking to him."
Rachel Bilson chimed in, confirming the awkwardness of the moment. "There was no room," said the actress, continuing, "Olivia planted herself [in the middle and] squeezed herself [in between us]."
Despite the unexpected interruption, Justin Timberlake managed to take it all in stride. "He called me the enemy," said Allen as she laughed, and added, "The next time I saw him, he was like, 'What's up, enemy?'"
Even though Bilson and Timberlake's romantic journey failed to take off, he crossed paths with actress Jessica Biel in 2007.
Although the pair briefly separated in 2011, they rekindled their romance and married in 2012. Today, the couple is the proud parents of two sons, Silas and Phineas, showcasing a love that has stood the test of time.
