Video footage released on Friday shows Justin Timberlake struggling with field sobriety tests after being pulled over in New York's Hamptons in June 2024 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The pop star told officers, "These are, like, really hard tests," as he attempted to walk heel-to-toe and stand on one leg.
The roughly eight-hour video captures Timberlake's initial stop after Sag Harbor police said he ran a stop sign, veered out of his lane, and exited his BMW smelling of alcohol. Timberlake told officers he had consumed one martini and was following friends home in the affluent beach town, about 100 miles east of New York City.
When asked why he was in town, Timberlake replied, "I'm on a world tour," before adding, "I'm Justin Timberlake." The officer responded, "You are Justin Timberlake? Do you have a license with you?" Timberlake later pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of impaired driving.
In the video, Timberlake appears flustered during the tests, apologises to officers, and says his heart is racing. After being placed in the back of a police car, he asks, "Why are you arresting me?" A woman who had been out with him that night unsuccessfully asked to give him his phone, later pleading, "Can you guys please just do me a favor because you loved Bye Bye Bye or Sexyback?"
Timberlake was held overnight and asked officers to keep the cell light on. His lawyers had sued to block the video's release, arguing it would "devastate" his privacy and cause "severe and irreparable harm" to his reputation. However, they agreed to its release in a joint filing on Friday, acknowledging it did not constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024, receiving a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service, and a 90-day licence suspension. He also agreed to record a public safety announcement about the dangers of drunk driving.
