Justin Timberlake Arrested for Alleged DUI in New York
Pop star Justin Timberlake was taken into custody in New York on charges of driving while intoxicated, as confirmed by local authorities to the BBC.
According to a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Timberlake was apprehended and charged on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred in Sag Harbor, a prestigious village in the Hamptons, a well-known summer retreat for celebrities on Long Island.
After being formally charged, Timberlake was released without bail, the District Attorney’s Office reported. Efforts to contact Timberlake’s lawyer for a statement have been made by the BBC.
The arrest took place just after midnight (05:37 BST) when police stopped Timberlake’s grey BMW for running a stop sign and failing to maintain the correct lane, as stated in the charging document. Officers observed that Timberlake’s eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and noted a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath. His speech was reportedly slow, and he did not perform well on the field sobriety tests. Additionally, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test.
“I had one martini and I followed my friends home,” Timberlake reportedly told the arresting officer, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
Timberlake is scheduled to appear in Sag Harbor court virtually on July 26. His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., stated to CBS on Tuesday evening that he “will vigorously defend his client and is currently engaged in the Discovery process with the District Attorney’s Office.”
The 43-year-old singer was preparing for a global tour to promote his sixth album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” Timberlake, a former member of the iconic boy band NSYNC, has built a successful career as an actor, songwriter, and one of the world’s top-selling music artists. He has previously spoken openly about seeking help for alcohol-related issues.
In New York, driving while intoxicated charges can result in penalties including up to one year in jail, a $1,000 (£786) fine, and a minimum six-month suspension of the driver’s license.
Timberlake was set to perform two shows in Chicago this weekend, followed by a concert at Madison Square Garden in New York next Tuesday. The ten-time Grammy winner is also recognized for his roles in films such as “The Social Network” and “Friends With Benefits.” Timberlake is married to actress Jessica Biel, and they have two children together.
