Justin Timberlake Finds Himself in Hot Water After DWI Arrest
In the early hours of June 18, Justin Timberlake found himself in a bind after being arrested for DWI. The incident occurred when the singer reportedly skipped a stop sign in the Hamptons, leading to a traffic stop where he was found behind the wheel. Despite claiming he had only consumed one alcoholic drink that night, Timberlake’s encounter with the law didn’t end there.
According to reports, the ‘Mirrors’ singer was asked to perform a sobriety test, which didn’t go well. Police stated that the 43-year-old “performed poorly” and when asked to take a breathalyzer test, he refused, as detailed by Page Six. A source told the publication that the arresting officer did not initially recognize the star, but noted that Timberlake “was a gentleman” throughout the ordeal.
The aftermath of the incident saw Timberlake’s mugshot being released by the police and quickly spreading across the internet. This brush with the law comes during a busy time for Timberlake, who had just resumed his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, performing in Chicago shortly after the arrest.
While on stage, Timberlake seemed visibly moved by the support from his fans, expressing his emotions during the concert. In an Instagram video that captured the moment, he addressed the audience, saying, “We’ve been together through ups and downs, lefts and rights, and it’s been a tough week. But you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now.” He continued, acknowledging his flaws and thanking his fans for their unwavering support: “I know sometimes I’m hard to love, but keep on loving me and I’ll love you right back. Thank you so much.”
Despite the current challenges, Timberlake’s legal proceedings are set to continue, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 26. However, he won’t need to attend this procedural hearing, as reported by the New York Post. Meanwhile, the tour is set to go on, with an upcoming performance on June 25 at New York’s famed Madison Square Garden, followed by international dates including a show in Krakow, Poland, on the same day as his court date.
The uncertainty of how this legal issue might impact his tour remains, especially considering some countries’ strict policies on granting entry to those with a criminal record. Yet, Timberlake has not been convicted of any crime, and his attorney, Edward Burke Jr, has expressed a strong stance on defending the singer. Speaking to PA Media news agency, Burke Jr stated, “I look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake on these allegations. I will have a lot to say at the appropriate time but am currently awaiting full discovery from the District Attorney’s office.”
As the situation unfolds, fans and observers alike are keen to see how one of pop’s biggest names will navigate this legal hurdle.