Justin Timberlake has had a previous mishap involving alcohol, as he prepares to face court following his DWI arrest in the Hamptons on Monday.
The pop star was arrested on Monday for allegedly driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Sag Harbor, in Long Island's luxurious east end.
Sag Harbor police confirmed to Newsweek that he was arrested and will face court on Tuesday morning. A spokesperson for the police department said it would release more information about his arrest later today.
The "SexyBack" singer previously apologized to his wife and actress, Jessica Biel, for a "strong lapse in judgment" caused by alcohol in 2019 when he was photographed holding hands with actress and co-star Alisha Wainwright.
The pair were filming the drama film Palmer in New Orleans. Timberlake blamed being drunk in his public apology for his behavior.
"A few weeks ago, I displayed a strong lapse in judgment—but let me be clear—nothing happened between me and my co-star. I drank way too much that night, and I regret my behavior. I should have known better," Timberlake wrote in an open letter at the time.
"I want to apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that," Timberlake continued. "I am incredibly proud to be working on Palmer. Looking forward to continuing to make this movie and excited for people to see it."
Wainwright also denied any wrongdoing. "There is no validity to this speculation. [Timberlake and Wainwright] are currently working on a project together. Members of the cast and crew were all together," the actor's rep said in a statement to Us Weekly in late November of that year.
Newsweek contacted Timberlake's representatives by email for comment.
Timberlake will face local court over the DWI charge, which may spell trouble for his current music tour. He has shows in Chicago on June 21 and 22, followed by two shows each at New York City's Madison Square Garden and Boston's TD Garden later in the month.
He married Biel in 2012 and the couple have two sons together, born in 2015 and 2020.
Before his arrest, Timberlake was recovering from brand damage following ongoing backlash for his treatment of ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, accusations of cultural appropriation, and his handling of the 2004 Super Bowl "wardrobe malfunction" with Janet Jackson.
During the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, Timberlake pulled down the front of Jackson's body suit, which exposed her breast and resulted in a $555,000 fine for broadcaster CBS.
Timberlake managed to escape the incident with his career relatively unscathed, whereas Jackson lost work—even though "Nipplegate" was said to have been an accident.
In a statement posted to Instagram in 2021, Timberlake apologized for his past "missteps," adding: "I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed."
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
