Justin Timberlake is seeking to prevent video from his 2024 DWI arrest from being released, after the Sexy Back singer was detained by police while on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
The singer was arrested on June 18 and arraigned later the same day, after officers in the Hamptons allegedly observed his vehicle run a stop sign.
Police then pulled him over and identified Timberlake as the driver.
Although Timberlake reportedly told officers he’d only had one drink, police claimed he “performed poorly” during a sobriety test and allegedly refused a breathalyzer test, according to Page Six.
In response to the incident, Timberlake said during a press statement: “Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car… This is a mistake I made, but I hope whoever’s watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I certainly have.”
The mugshot released by police quickly spread online. Now, his legal team is attempting to stop arrest and jail footage from being made public as well.
His attorneys, Edward Burke Jr. and Michael J. Del Piano, filed a petition in Suffolk County Supreme Court that was reviewed by Entertainment Weekly. The filing follows multiple Freedom of Information Law requests from individuals and organizations attempting to obtain video connected to his arrest and time at the Sag Harbor Police Department.
Such requests can be used to obtain public records that aren’t otherwise restricted by a court order, including certain government-held documents and recordings.
In the petition, Timberlake’s lawyers asked the court to withhold the material, or alternatively to ensure it is “redacted to the maximum extent permitted by law.”
“Disclosure of these materials would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,” the petition states per EW.
The lawyers argued that the footage reportedly includes views inside Timberlake’s vehicle as well as within the jail, and that releasing it would mainly “invade privacy and cause unwarranted embarrassment,” rather than “inform the public about governmental operations or the performance of official duties.”
The petition also claims the footage could create “economic and personal hardship and substantial injury,” alleging it could expose Timberlake to “public ridicule and harassment” and result in “severe and irreparable harm” to his “professional reputation.”
In connection with the case, Timberlake was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated, and was also issued citations for allegedly running a stop sign and failing to stay in his lane.
He later had his license suspended and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.