Justin Timberlake, known for his hits and acting career, found himself in hot water following a DWI arrest in the Hamptons. Reports indicate that a police officer advised Timberlake to get a ride home just minutes before the arrest, but the pop star chose to drive instead.
On the early morning of Tuesday, Timberlake was pulled over by a 23-year-old officer from the Sag Harbor Police Department on Long Island. Initially, the officer did not recognize Timberlake and let him go with a warning, thinking he was not an immediate danger. However, Timberlake was later observed driving erratically, running a stop sign, and swerving out of his lane.
The officer, upon realizing it was the same driver he had previously stopped, arrested Timberlake. According to a law enforcement source, “The officer thought that was the end of it, that this guy would get a ride home.” The source further criticized Timberlake’s decision, calling it an example of entitlement, “What a dumba**. I am thinking he could afford a driver.”
Despite being cooperative during the arrest, Timberlake refused to take the Breathalyzer test three times. He claimed to have had only one martini while dining with friends at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Court documents, however, reveal that Timberlake performed poorly on field sobriety tests, had glassy eyes, slurred speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol.
Another source mentioned that the American Hotel, a popular spot for celebrities like Billy Joel, has a history of helping patrons avoid police. “Before cell phones and cameras were everywhere, bartenders in the village would call 911 and report a fire or an accident miles away, just so their customers could drive home,” the source said.
Timberlake expressed concerns about how the arrest might impact his tour schedule. During a performance in Chicago on Friday, he told fans, “It’s been a tough week. I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back.”
Although Timberlake faces up to a year in jail if convicted, experts believe he will likely receive a lighter sentence, considering this is his first offense. His court appearance is scheduled for July 26.
