Pop icon Justin Timberlake's shocking arrest for alleged drunk driving early Tuesday morning in Sag Harbor, New York, has captured the attention of media outlets worldwide, including The Associated Press, ABC News, and CNN. The incident occurred in the sleepy hamlet of East Hampton, where Timberlake was swiftly hauled in by local police.
The singer made his initial court appearance later in the day, appearing before a judge on charges of driving while intoxicated. He was released without bail pending further legal proceedings.
According to a police statement obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Timberlake was observed by a Sag Harbor police officer shortly after 12:30 a.m. local time, driving a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street. The officer noted that the singer failed to stop at a clearly marked stop sign and struggled to maintain his lane of travel.
Suspecting intoxication, the officer pulled Timberlake over and conducted a series of sobriety tests. The results were reportedly dismal, with the officer noting bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol on Timberlake's breath, and difficulty dividing attention. His speech was slow and slurred, his gait unsteady, and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests.
After being arraigned at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on Tuesday morning, Timberlake was released on his own recognizance, according to the police statement. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 26, where he will face the consequences of his alleged actions.
Edward Burke Jr., a criminal defense lawyer representing the singer and Hollywood actor, issued a statement to THR on Wednesday, expressing his intention to vigorously defend Timberlake against these allegations. He 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."
The incident has sent shockwaves through Timberlake's fanbase and the entertainment industry, casting a shadow over the singer's once-stellar reputation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the world waits to see how this unexpected turn of events will impact Timberlake's future.
The Sag Harbor police and Justin Timberlake's representative remain tight-lipped, declining to comment on THR's inquiries. The arrest and subsequent release on a DWI charge cast a shadow over Timberlake's looming concerts, slated for this weekend at the United Center in Chicago and two more highly anticipated shows at Madison Square Gardens in New York City on June 25-26.
Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow World Tour, a celebration of his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought I Was, has been captivating fans across the globe. Although his latest album debuted at a respectable No. 4 on the Billboard 200, it marks the first time since his 2002 hit album Justified that the reigning Prince of Pop hasn't claimed the top spot.
Timberlake is no stranger to the spotlight, having risen to fame as a member of the wildly popular '90s boy band NSYNC before embarking on a multi-platinum, Grammy-winning solo career. He has also garnered praise for his acting prowess, starring in films like The Social Network, Friends With Benefits, Trouble With the Curve, and Reptile.
