Sag Harbor, NY – Pop star Justin Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday morning on Long Island for driving under the influence (DUI). Police pulled him over after observing him run a stop sign and swerve while driving. The incident occurred around 12:30 am in the upscale village of Sag Harbor.
According to reports, Timberlake had been drinking with friends at a hotel bar earlier in the evening. Witnesses described him as intoxicated, even consuming a drink abandoned by another patron. Upon exiting the bar and entering his car, police, who had witnessed the traffic violations, pulled him over.
The arresting officer, reportedly unaware of Timberlake’s celebrity status, approached the vehicle. Sources claim the officer was unfamiliar with Timberlake’s name, citing his young age [Page Six]. Allegedly, Timberlake expressed concern that the arrest would disrupt his ongoing world tour. When the officer inquired about the tour, Timberlake clarified it was a world tour.
Despite pleas from his companions, Timberlake was arrested. He completed field sobriety tests but refused a breathalyzer test at the station. Refusal to take the test in New York typically results in license suspension, although Timberlake holds an out-of-state license.
The following morning, a stoic Timberlake emerged from the police station in handcuffs, sunglasses covering his eyes and a baseball cap on his head. He was arraigned on charges of DUI, running a stop sign, and failing to maintain his lane. The scheduled performances for his world tour, including this weekend’s show in Chicago, remain unchanged.
This is not Timberlake’s first instance of acknowledging issues with excessive alcohol consumption. In a 2014 interview, he admitted to consuming an entire bottle of whiskey on one occasion. Additionally, comments from 2006 suggested he would sometimes become heavily intoxicated.
Sources close to Timberlake suggest pressure to compete with rising stars like Harry Styles has led to increased drinking as a means of escape. Reports claim he has even arrived at tour rehearsals under the influence of alcohol.
The DUI arrest marks another controversy for the former NSYNC frontman. Last year, he faced criticism following claims made by Britney Spears in her memoir. Spears alleged Timberlake pressured her to terminate a pregnancy during their relationship in the early 2000s. Additionally, he apologized for public hand-holding with a co-star, attributing the behavior to alcohol consumption. Insiders allege his wife, Jessica Biel, has on occasion needed to act as a “babysitter” due to his overly flirtatious behavior while intoxicated.
While not classified as an alcoholic, those close to Timberlake view this arrest as a potential turning point. They have reportedly expressed a desire for him to reduce his alcohol consumption for some time.
