Hundreds of Britney Spears [ tickets ] fans that had gathered for an autograph session at Boston department store Filene's on Wednesday (8/1) reportedly went home disappointed when the star attraction didn't show up. Via a press release issued Thursday, Spears sent her "deepest heartfelt apologies" to those she disappointed, but didn't attempt to explain her absence.

The Boston Globe reported in Thursday's editions that a representative of event co-sponsor Tommy Hilfiger told the crowd that Spears' flight had mechanical problems. But the Boston Herald reported that Spears missed the event because she stole off to Memphis with her boyfriend, 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake, who was performing a concert there.

''Britney understands the importance of her fans and would never set out to disappoint them,'' said the damage-control press release issued by Jive Records. ''Plans to reschedule her personal appearance or a similar event are being organized and everyone will be notified as soon as possible.''

Besides her fans, Spears' press release directed apologies to Filene's, their parent May Department Stores Company and the Tommy Hilfiger Corporation.

Spears did arrive in Boston in time for her scheduled, sold-out concert at BankBoston Pavilion.