Justin Timberlake Arrested for DWI in New York's Sag Harbor
Pop Star Charged with Driving While Intoxicated
Singer Justin Timberlake was arrested in New York for driving while intoxicated, local officials have told the BBC. The pop star was arrested and formally charged on Tuesday morning, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
Incident in the Hamptons
Timberlake was in Sag Harbor, an affluent village in the Hamptons, a popular summer destination for celebrities on Long Island. He was released without bail after being formally charged, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office confirmed.
Details of the Arrest
The arrest occurred just after midnight (05:37 BST) when Timberlake's grey BMW was pulled over for driving through a stop sign and failing to stay on the right side of the road, according to a charging document. Officers noted that Timberlake's eyes were "bloodshot and glassy" and there was a "strong odour of an alcoholic beverage" on his breath. His speech was slowed, and he performed poorly on the sobriety tests conducted by the officers. Timberlake also refused a breathalyser test, records show.
Timberlake's Statement and Legal Defense
"I had one martini and I followed my friends home," Timberlake allegedly told the officer who stopped him, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News. He is scheduled to appear virtually in Sag Harbor court on July 26. His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., told BBC US news partner 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."
Career Impact and Personal Background
Timberlake, 43, was set to embark on a global tour of his sixth album, "Everything I Thought It Was." A former member of the popular boy band NSYNC, Timberlake is also an actor, songwriter, and one of the best-selling music artists in the world. The pop star has spoken openly in the past about seeking help for excessive drinking.
Potential Legal Consequences
In the state of New York, penalties for charges related to driving while intoxicated include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 (£786) fine, and the suspension of a driver’s licence for at least six months. Timberlake was scheduled to perform two shows in Chicago this weekend, followed by a show in New York’s Madison Square Garden next Tuesday.
Timberlake's Family Life
The 10-time Grammy winner is also known for his roles in the films "The Social Network" and "Friends With Benefits." Timberlake is married to actor Jessica Biel, with whom he shares two children.
