celebrity families

Justin Timberlake joins niece with Down syndrome on the runway


Justin Timberlake walks the runway with niece Zaya Biel, 7, and sons Silas and Phineas at the 2026 Global Down Syndrome Foundation fashion show in Denver, Colorado


 Justin Timberlake attends the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)© The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
NOVEMBER 9, 2026 4:58 PM EST

Justin Timberlake traded the concert stage for the fashion runway, and this time, he had three very special people by his side.

The 45-year-old singer made a rare public appearance with his sons, Silas, 11, and Phineas, 6, as they joined his 7-year-old niece, Zaya Biel, at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Denver, Colorado.

Zaya Biel and Justin Timberlake attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show© Getty Images for Global Down Sy
Zaya Biel and Justin Timberlake attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

The family outing was a celebration of Zaya, who has Down syndrome, and an opportunity to support a cause close to the Timberlake and Biel families.

And judging by their runway appearance, the boys were more than ready to join their cousin in the spotlight. 

Justin Timberlake and His Sons Share a Sweet Runway Moment With Zaya Biel

Timberlake and his sons made quite the entrance as they accompanied Zaya down the runway. The Grammy-winning singer looked sharp in an all-black ensemble, while his youngest son, Phineas, followed his father's lead in a classic black suit.

 Justin Timberlake and Zaya Biel attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show© Getty Images for Global Down Sy
Justin Timberlake and Zaya Biel attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

Silas added his own personality to the family look, sporting a black leather jacket, tailored pants, and sunglasses. But Zaya was the star of the show. The 7-year-old wore a black-and-white polka-dot Marchesa dress adorned with bow details, bringing a playful touch to the runway.

During their appearance, Timberlake lifted his niece into his arms as they waved to the cheering audience. Silas and Phineas also joined Zaya for a little dance before the family made their way back down the catwalk.

It was a particularly special appearance for Timberlake's children, whom he and wife Jessica Biel generally keep away from the public spotlight. 

Justin Timberlake Says He Is a 'Proud Uncle' After Walking With Zaya

Following the event, Timberlake took to Instagram Stories on Sunday, November 8, to share photographs from the memorable evening. "We walked my beautiful niece Zaya down the @globaldownsyndrome runway last night. Proud uncle!" he wrote. 

The singer also expressed his admiration for Zaya in a statement released by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation ahead of the event. "Jessica and I adore Zaya, and we couldn't be prouder of the remarkable difference she is making in the world," Timberlake said.

 Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel © The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel

He continued, "Every person with Down syndrome deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that's why GLOBAL's work means so much to our family." 

Zaya is the daughter of Jessica Biel's brother, Justin Biel, and his wife, Rose Biel. She previously served as the foundation's 2024 GLOBAL Ambassador, representing the organization and helping raise awareness about people with Down syndrome.

 Justin Timberlake, Rose Biel, Justin Biel, and Zaya Biel attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show© Getty Images for Global Down Sy
Justin Timberlake, Rose Biel, Justin Biel, and Zaya Biel attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

Her parents also attended Saturday's event, along with their younger son, Zigman, 5. 

Jessica Biel Missed the 2026 Down Syndrome Fashion Show

Although Jessica Biel did not attend this year's event, she made sure her niece knew she was cheering her on. The actress previously accompanied Zaya down the runway at the foundation's fashion shows in 2024 and 2025. This year, Timberlake stepped in to continue the family tradition while Biel was occupied with filming commitments.

Biel celebrated the occasion on Instagram Stories, sharing her excitement about Zaya's latest runway appearance. "I love my family, and I'm so proud of @lovelyzayab for walking down the runway again," she wrote as part of a longer message.

She also thanked Marchesa for creating Zaya's dress.

Zaya Biel and Justin Timberlake attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show© Getty Images for Global Down Sy
Zaya Biel and Justin Timberlake attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

The actress later reposted a photograph of Timberlake and Zaya together on the red carpet, adding the affectionate caption, "These two," alongside a smiling-hearts emoji. 

What Is the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show?

The annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show is one of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation's signature fundraising events. Now in its 19th year, the event brings together models with Down syndrome, celebrity supporters, families, and advocates to celebrate inclusion while raising money for medical research, specialized care, and advocacy.

Kennedy Garcia and Maria Menounos attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show© Getty Images for Global Down Sy
Kennedy Garcia and Maria Menounos attend Global Down Syndrome Foundation's 19th Annual Be Beautiful Be Yourself Fashion Show

This year's sold-out celebration welcomed approximately 1,400 guests and featured 21 models with Down syndrome. According to the foundation, the November 7 event raised a record-breaking $2.7 million to support its programs.

Timberlake wasn't the only familiar face in attendance. Academy Award winner Geena Davis, actor Christian Slater, former NFL star Terrell Davis, and Olympic champion Elana Meyers Taylor were among the celebrity participants.

The evening also recognized Maria Menounos and actor and disability advocate Kennedy Garcia with the Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award.