(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Justin Timberlake has issued a public apology for the "distasteful" wedding video in which homeless people congratulate him on his nuptials.

The pop star married actress Jessica Biel last Friday after an extravagant week-long celebration in Puglia, Italy.

A video surfaced shortly thereafter showing homeless people offering the bride and groom well-wishes.

In an open letter written to "clear the air", the star clarifies the clip was not shown at the wedding itself, although he apologises for its existence.

"I think we can all agree that it was distasteful," he writes, adding, "I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by (it) I was always taught that we as people, no matter what your race, sex, or stature may be, are equal."

The star said a friend was behind the video. And he plans to make the person responsible complete community service as punishment.

"This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I'm sure no one who is reading this is exempt from. But, I don't believe it was made to be insensitive," Justin writes.

He ends the letter: "You can bet you're a** that I'm having my friend do at least 100 hours of community service... Boom." (C) Cover Media