Justin Timberlake once hung up on what he thought was a joke call only to learn he had just insulted Michael Jackson.

He told the story on Complex's Re-Rank series. The song at the center was Gone which he first wrote with Michael in mind before *NSYNC put it on the 2001 album Celebrity after the King of Pop passed on it.

Later an unknown number rang. The voice on the other end said "Hi Apple Head" and Justin figured a friend was messing with him so he let loose with a few choice words.

It was Michael. Justin said he went straight into apology mode and summed it up simply: "I just cursed Michael Jackson out."

Michael had not called to complain. He liked the track so much he floated cutting a new version as a two-person remake even after the boy-band release was already out. Justin floated bringing the whole group in but Michael wanted only the two of them.

Justin declined so he would not leave his bandmates behind. He hoped they might work together later. That duet never happened.