AJ McLean gushes over neighbor Britney Spears after her DUI arrest: ‘I always give her a hug’

He doesn’t clasp it against her.

AJ McLean exclusively gushed to Page Six astatine Thursday’s iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 astir his typical enslaved pinch Britney Spears, 3 weeks aft nan popular prima made headlines for a DUI arrest.

“We spot each different each truthful often,” nan Backstreet Boys member, 48, said, noting that they “live successful nan aforesaid vicinity successful nan aforesaid area.”

The “Everybody” vocalist said that erstwhile he does “cross paths” pinch Spears, 44, he “always conscionable give[s] her a hug and check[s] connected her.”

McLean, who was nominated for nan awards show’s favourite onscreen category, added that he “wish[es] her nan best.”

As for whether he has “spoken to her” recently, nan “Building nan Band” big told us, “I haven’t.”

The “Crossroads” character was arrested successful Ventura County, Calif., connected March 4 aft swerving and speeding.

An insider told america Spears was caught pinch an chartless substance, believed to beryllium pills, successful her vehicle.

The performer was released from jailhouse nan pursuing greeting and has a proceeding scheduled for May 4.

We perceive Spears is “devastated” complete nan detainment, pinch a root telling america nan infinitesimal “scared nan crap retired of her” and she “knows she has to look nan consequences immoderate they whitethorn be.”

Spears has yet to speak retired connected her legal troubles — but her manager, Cade Hudson, did merchandise a connection earlier this period labeling her actions “inexcusable.”

While McLean did not mention nan ungraded during Thursday’s chat, he is gunning for Spears to execute astatine adjacent year’s Super Bowl — on pinch nan Backstreet Boys and a number of different stars from nan 1990s and early aughts.

He told People past period that he “started an online petition” regarding nan February 2027 capacity astatine Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, and chap set personnel Nick Carter sounded *NSYNC and 98 Degrees joining arsenic well.

McLean explained to Page Six connected Thursday that “finally” having nan opportunity to return nan shape would beryllium “the icing connected nan barroom for nan Backstreet Boys.”

“Britney and *NSYNC did it already pinch Aerosmith, and we did nan nationalist anthem that year,” he continued, referencing nan 2001 halftime show.

“Come on, Jay-Z, make it happen,” he quipped of nan Roc Nation founder, who helps unafraid talent for nan Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show. “It’s only right. It’s nan correct time.”