The 'Cry Me a River' singer's drinking problem is reportedly not a secret among his inner circle, yet 'everyone around him have been enablers' before he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
- Jun 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - Justin Timberlake reportedly has been in "a very dark place" prior to his DWI arrest, no thanks to his tour and negative press about him. The singer/actor is said to have "a real drinking problem," which is allegedly not a secret among his inner circle.
"It's not a secret. Everyone knows," a music insider who was privy to the information two years ago dishes to Page Six after Justin was arrested on early Tuesday, June 18. "He has a real drinking problem, a lot of weed - but a major alcohol problem, and he's been hiding and masking it for years."
The insider believes Justin's alleged penchant for boozing "got to him" and that "everyone around him have been enablers." The source claims, "It's a real thing, and when you have a drinking problem, it's apparent, yet they've pushed this tour on him, and he's been a very dark place."
"He's been in a dark place," the source says, adding that the 43-year-old was "drinking heavily" around the time the New York Times' 2021 documentary on his ex Britney Spears was released. "He was very concerned about his career and acting. People were very worried about him," the insider says.
However, another source begs to differ, claiming that Justin had not been drinking for a while prior to his DWI arrest and even lost weight and was living a healthier lifestyle, including cutting out booze before the April launch of his "Forget Tomorrow World Tour".
The second source insists the former NSYNC member "has never been better," adding, "He's in great shape. His tour is sold out. He's in a good space."
Justin, who has been candid about his struggles with excessive drinking in the past, was arrested on DWI charges in Sag Harbor, NY. He was pulled over after failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign and failing to stay in his lane when driving his BMW on Madison Street at 12:37 A.M.
The Grammy winner reportedly failed a field sobriety test, demonstrated bloodshot and glassy eyes, and exhibited slurred speech and an inability to divide attention. Sources noted that the "SexyBack" singer refused to take a breathalyzer test, leading to a suspension of his driving privileges in New York state for a year.
Justin was released on Tuesday morning without a bail. His next court appearance is scheduled to be held virtually on Friday, July 26. Despite his legal issue, he is still set to continue his tour, with his next show being scheduled in Chicago on Friday, June 21.
