Justin Timberlake DWI Arrest Footage Reveals Sobriety Test Struggles
Newly released police body camera footage from Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest in the Hamptons has been made public, showing the pop star struggling through field sobriety tests and appearing increasingly flustered during his interaction with officers. The video, which captures the June 2024 traffic stop on Long Island that led to his arrest, was released on Friday following a legal agreement between Sag Harbor officials and Timberlake's attorneys.
The Traffic Stop and Field Tests
Police stated that Timberlake was pulled over after running a stop sign and veering out of his lane in Sag Harbor, an affluent beach town approximately 100 miles east of New York City. In the footage, officers ask the singer to perform tasks including walking heel-to-toe in a straight line and standing on one leg. He stumbles more than once while attempting to comply.
At one point, the NSYNC singer-turned-solo artist and actor appears frustrated and tells officers he had only consumed one martini and had been following friends home. "Guys, guys, I'm just following my friends back to my house," he says in the video. "I'm, I'm not, like, I'm not doing anything. I'm just following my friends back to my house."
Timberlake's Interaction with Officers
The video also shows the moment he's approached by officers after being pulled over. When asked why he was in town, he replies, "I'm on a world tour." After an officer inquires, "Doing what?" Timberlake responds, "Hard to explain." After stammering a bit, he says, "World tour. I'm Justin Timberlake." The officer eventually asks, "You are Justin Timberlake? Do you have a license with you?"
During the field tests, Timberlake seems flustered listening to the instructions. He apologizes to officers and tells them his heart is racing. "By the way, these are, like, these are like really hard tests," he tells officers. He also appears uneasy as he stumbles, holding his hands up and admitting, "I'm a little nervous." After the field tests, an officer informs him he is under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Legal Dispute and Release of Footage
The video's release follows a legal dispute over public records. Timberlake's legal team had argued the footage would expose him in an "acutely vulnerable state" and cause "severe and irreparable harm" to his reputation. However, in a joint filing with Sag Harbor officials, his attorneys later agreed the redacted footage could be released, acknowledging it did not violate privacy laws.
Sag Harbor officials said the release complies with New York State's Freedom of Information Law, noting that the video was reviewed and redacted for safety and privacy concerns. In a statement provided by the village's lawyer, Vincent Toomey, they expressed satisfaction that the matter was resolved and they were able to comply with state public records law.
"From the beginning of this matter, after Mr. Timberlake's arrest, the Village has attempted to comply with the mandates of the Freedom of Information Law," the statement reads. "As would be true in any case involving records or video footage from our Police Department, such material is reviewed and redacted to address public and officer safety concerns as well as personal privacy considerations."
Guilty Plea and Consequences
Timberlake ultimately pleaded guilty in September 2024 to a reduced charge of impaired driving. As part of the plea deal, he agreed to:
- Pay a $500 fine
- Complete 25 hours of community service
- Endure a 90-day suspension of his license
He also recorded a public safety message about the dangers of drinking and driving. "This is a mistake that I've made, but I'm hoping whoever's watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake," Timberlake said at the time. "I know that I certainly have. And like I said, even one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car."
Additional video shows Timberlake at the police station where he is told that he will be held overnight, to which he says, "I'm going to be here all night? You guys are wild, man." The footage provides a stark look at the consequences of impaired driving, even for high-profile celebrities like Justin Timberlake.
