Pop star Justin Timberlake's recent brush with the law in the Hamptons has taken a new twist, with sources revealing the singer allegedly ignored a police warning just minutes before his arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Sag Harbor, Long Island, has cast a shadow over the Grammy-winning artist's current world tour.
According to a local law enforcement source who spoke to The Post, Timberlake, 43, was stopped twice on the morning of his arrest. The first encounter resulted in a warning from a young officer who didn't recognize the celebrity. "He was stopped and advised not to drive," the source stated. "The officer didn't recognize him; he's a young guy. And he still gave Justin a break, because he didn't pose an immediate danger."
However, the situation escalated when, "several minutes later," the same 23-year-old officer observed Timberlake driving his 2025 BMW SUV again. This time, Timberlake was allegedly seen driving through a stop sign at a four-way intersection and swerving into the left lane, prompting the second stop that led to his arrest.
The source expressed disbelief at Timberlake's actions, stating, "What a dumbass. I am thinking he could afford a driver. How's that for entitlement?" This sentiment underscores the public scrutiny celebrities often face when involved in such incidents.
Court documents reveal that during the second stop, Timberlake allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused to take a breathalyzer test three times. The arresting officer noted that Timberlake appeared unsteady, had slurred speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol. The report also mentioned that his eyes were "glassy" and bloodshot.
Timberlake reportedly told police he had consumed "one martini" at the historic American Hotel, where he had dinner with friends. The identity of his dining companions remains unclear, though the area is known to be frequented by numerous music industry figures and celebrities.
The incident has not gone unnoticed by Timberlake's inner circle. A friend of the singer, speaking to NewsNation's Paula Froelich, defended Timberlake and criticized the arresting officer as "a typical Hamptons overzealous cop." The friend argued that Timberlake had agreed to a sobriety test but "smartly and rightfully said no" to the breathalyzer request.
Despite the legal troubles, Timberlake has continued with his scheduled performances. At a concert in Chicago on Friday, part of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, he addressed the incident obliquely, telling the audience, "It's been a tough week. I know I'm hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back." This marked his first public appearance since the arrest.
Legal experts suggest that while Timberlake faces up to a year in jail if convicted, he is likely to receive a more lenient sentence given that this is his first offense. The singer is scheduled to make a virtual court appearance on July 26.
The incident has reignited discussions about celebrity behavior and the enforcement of DWI laws in popular vacation spots like the Hamptons. Local sources noted that police in Sag Harbor are known for their vigilance in monitoring drivers leaving popular nightspots.
