Just days after his arrest, fans in Chicago were among the first to hear Justin Timberlake’s DWI response on stage at the United Center.
The pop singer, 43, took a moment to address the incident during what marked his first show since being arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons. “It’s been a tough week, but you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now,” Justin told the cheering crowd. He went on to add, “I know sometimes I’m hard to love but you keep on loving me and I love you right back.”
The ’90s heartthrob found himself in some hot water on June 17, 2024, when he was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. ABC News was the first to report the incident, which took place in Sag Harbor, New York. According to the outlet, Justin was last spotted at the American Hotel before he caught the attention of local authorities for cruising past a stop sign.
When they pulled him over, the officers noticed he had glassy eyes, and apparently, his breath hinted at a recent rendezvous with some alcohol. According to court records obtained by CNN, Justin told the officers that he “had one martini and followed my friends home.”
One of the Sag Harbor Village Police Department officers noted that Justin seemed “unable to divide attention,” had “slowed speech,” and was “unsteady afoot.” He also didn’t do well on any of the field sobriety tests, which involved doing a one-legged stand and a walk-and-turn.
The “Cry Me a River” singer refused a chemical test three times. He was arrested and kept overnight to be arraigned, and was later released without bail. But he didn’t get off scot-free. Justin was hit with a DWI charge and also got citations for blowing through the stop sign and not staying in his lane.
According to a source who spoke to People following the arrest, Justin was “freaking out” when he was held overnight for arraignment. The insider claimed that the “Can’t Stop the Feeling” singer “stayed up all night when he was in custody.”
“He’s insisting he only had one drink and it wasn’t some wild night out,” the source went on to share.
Justin is due back in court on July 26—which also happens to be the same day as one of his tour dates in Kraków, Poland. He will be represented by attorney Ed Burke. “Mr. Burke looks forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake against these allegations,” Burke said in a statement to People. “He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time. He is currently awaiting full discovery from the DA’s office.”
For now, Justin is continuing his world tour. “It’s business as usual for him,” a separate source source told People following the pop star’s arrest. “The tour is continuing as planned.”
Related: How Justin Timberlake’s Wife Jessica Biel Really Felt About His Arrest
