Pop sensation Justin Timberlake found himself in legal trouble early Tuesday morning (18th June), as he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons, New York. The incident occurred when the 43-year-old failed to adhere to a stop sign and drifted from his lane not once, but twice, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
The singer was reportedly behind the wheel of a 2025 grey BMW around midnight when officers observed his erratic driving behaviour. When stopped by police, his eyes “were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, his speech was slowed, he was unable to divide attention, he was unsteady afoot and performed poorly on all standardised field sobriety tests,” the documents said.
“I had one martini and I followed my friends home,” Justin allegedly told the officer who stopped him, according to CBS News. The musician’s attorney, Ed Burke, told Us Weekly that the charge was a single count because he refused the breath test. “Mr. Timberlake was also charged with two other court citations, running a stop sign and not travelling in the correct traffic lane,” he told the outlet. People magazine reported that Timberlake was taken into custody after he left a dinner at the American Hotel.
The incident also drew attention due to the absence of his wife, actress Jessica Biel, during his court appearance yesterday. Speculation ensued online, but it was later revealed that the actress was deeply engaged in filming her new Prime Video series, “The Better Sister,” alongside Elizabeth Banks in New York City the day prior.
Sources close to the couple shared insights into the “Cry Me A River” hitmaker’s activities leading up to the arrest, noting he had been dining at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor and was on his way to a friend’s residence when he encountered legal trouble. He remained under custody until his hearing, for which he reportedly arrived handcuffed, accompanied by his attorney and two other individuals. “He did seem a bit upset. Jessica was not with him,” the source added.
Renowned for hits like “Sexy Back” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” Justin has had a successful career spanning decades, but the pop star has spoken openly in the past about seeking help for excessive drinking. Neither he nor his wife have personally spoken out about the arrest.
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
