Justin Timberlake acknowledged having a “tough week” following his arrest for driving while intoxicated. During a concert in Chicago on Friday night, the 43-year-old singer expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. Timberlake was apprehended in New York on Tuesday after running a stop sign and failing to remain in his lane. His lawyer has stated that Timberlake is eager to “vigorously defend” himself against the charges.
In his first performance since the incident, Timberlake addressed the audience, saying, “It’s been a tough week.” He added, “I know sometimes I’m hard to love, but you keep on loving me, and I love you right back.” He also reminded fans that everyone experiences “ups-and-downs and lefts-and-rights.”
The arrest took place in Sag Harbor in the Hamptons, a well-known summer spot for celebrities on Long Island. According to the charging document, Timberlake had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, and performed poorly on sobriety tests. He also refused a breathalyzer test, reportedly telling the officer, “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.”
After being formally charged, Timberlake was released without bail and is set to appear in court virtually on July 26, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Timberlake has previously discussed seeking help for excessive drinking.
His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., told PA Media news agency that he looks forward to defending Timberlake and is currently waiting for full discovery from the District Attorney’s office. Timberlake is currently on a US tour promoting his sixth album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” and is scheduled to begin the international leg of his tour next month in Poland. His court date coincides with the start of his world tour at the Tauron Arena in Krakow.
In New York, penalties for driving while intoxicated can include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month suspension of the driver’s license. Timberlake was scheduled to perform two shows in Chicago over the weekend, followed by a performance at New York’s Madison Square Garden next Tuesday.
A former member of the 90s boy band NSYNC, Timberlake is also a successful actor, songwriter, and one of the world’s best-selling music artists. He has won 10 Grammy Awards and is known for his roles in films such as “The Social Network” and “Friends with Benefits.” Timberlake is married to actress Jessica Biel, and they have two children together.
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