Justin Timberlake arrested
Justin Timberlake, the acclaimed singer and actor, has spent the night behind bars on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New York's Long Island. The incident took place in the upscale seaside village of Sag Harbor, a well-known summer retreat for the affluent.
Timberlake, 43, was reportedly driving a BMW around 12:30am when he failed to stop at a stop sign and veered out of his lane. An officer pulled him over and noticed signs of intoxication. According to the court documents, the officer observed that Timberlake had bloodshot and glassy eyes, smelled strongly of alcohol, had slowed speech and was unsteady on his feet. He performed poorly on all standard field sobriety tests administered at the scene.
Despite Timberlake's assertion that he had only consumed one martini and was following friends home, he was arrested and taken to a police station in East Hampton. There, he refused a breath test. The court documents list his occupation as "professional" and noted that he is "self-employed".
According to a report from the New York Post, the arresting officer was so young he did not recognise the world-famous singer, even after Timberlake told him his name. “He didn’t recognise him or his name,” an insider claimed, with a second source adding, “Justin said under his breath, ‘This is going to ruin the tour.’ The policeman replied, ‘What tour?’ Justin said, ‘The world tour.’”
After spending the night in custody, Timberlake was formally charged and released later on Tuesday morning (Wednesday AEST). He faces one count of DWI and is scheduled to appear in court on July 26, according to the Suffolk County district attorney's office. Timberlake's lawyer and representatives have not yet commented on the incident.
Timberlake's journey to fame began as a Disney Mouseketeer, where he shared the stage with future pop stars like Britney Spears. He gained widespread recognition as a member of the boy band NSYNC before launching a successful solo career in 2002. Timberlake has since won 10 Grammy Awards and four Primetime Emmy Awards. His acting credits include acclaimed performances in movies such as The Social Network and Friends With Benefits.
Sag Harbor, located about 160km from New York City, is a part of the Hamptons, a popular destination for wealthy visitors during the summer. The village is known for its picturesque views and luxurious lifestyle, attracting celebrities and high-profile individuals.
This incident marks a rare brush with the law for Timberlake, who has largely maintained a positive public image throughout his career. As the legal process unfolds, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances of his arrest and the potential consequences he may face.
Images: Sag County Police | Today show