Justin Timberlake walks the runway with sons and niece with Down syndrome at charity show raising a record $2.7 million

On November 7, Denver hosted the 19th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself fashion charity show, organized annually by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to support people with Down syndrome. The highlight of the evening was Justin Timberlake taking to the runway alongside his sons and seven-year-old niece, Zaya Biel. According to organizers, the event raised $2.7 million—a record amount in the history of the show—with approximately 1,400 guests in attendance.

A rare public family appearance

For 11-year-old Silas and six-year-old Phineas, sons of Timberlake and actress Jessica Biel, the runway appearance was one of their very few public outings. The couple has protected their children's privacy for many years: they have never brought the boys to red carpets and have only posted photos showing them from behind on social media. That is why the family's joint participation in the charity event attracted heightened attention from media and viewers.

Supporting a niece with Down syndrome

The family's mission at the show was to support seven-year-old Zaya, the daughter of Jessica Biel’s brother, who was born with Down syndrome. The girl wore a voluminous white dress with black trim, while Timberlake and the boys wore dark blazers and trousers. Amid applause from the audience, the singer picked up his niece, waved to the viewers with her, and danced alongside the kids before walking back down the runway. Later, Timberlake posted a photo on his stories and called himself a “proud uncle.”

Record fundraising and the foundation's role

According to the foundation, 21 models with Down syndrome walked the runway this year. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation will direct the $2.7 million raised toward research, medical care, and advocacy for people with the diagnosis. Zaya herself became a foundation ambassador in 2024, and the year prior she walked the runway at the same show alongside her aunt, Jessica Biel.

Timberlake's statement

In a statement released by the foundation, Timberlake emphasized: “Every individual with Down syndrome deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.” He also noted that the foundation's work holds special meaning for his family. It is worth mentioning that in 2026, unconfirmed media reports surfaced regarding a possible split between Timberlake and Biel; the couple has not officially commented on these reports, and their participation in the charity show with their children and niece, on the contrary, demonstrated public family unity.