Pop star Justin Timberlake's recent DWI arrest in the Hamptons has stirred significant media buzz. What really transpired on that fateful night? Read on to find out!
- Jun 23, 2024
AceShowbiz - Justin Timberlake, the world-renowned pop icon, found himself in hot water earlier this week after a DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, Long Island. The incident occurred not long after Timberlake ignored a warning from the same officer who eventually detained him.
According to local law enforcement sources, Timberlake was initially stopped by 23-year-old rookie officer Michael Arkinson. The officer, not recognizing the "Cry Me a River" singer, advised him to refrain from driving as he didn't pose an immediate danger initially. However, minutes later, Arkinson spotted Timberlake driving a 2025 BMW SUV again, allegedly running a stop sign and swerving into the left lane.
The arrest report reveals that Timberlake appeared unsteady on his feet, slurred his speech, and had a strong smell of alcohol. The artist refused to blow into a Breathalyzer three times, leading to his arrest. Court documents indicated that he performed poorly on several field sobriety tests.
Timberlake's friends were quick to defend him, with one telling NewsNation's Paula Froelich, "He made him do a sobriety test which he agreed to...and then the guy continued to hassle him and wanted him to do a Breathalyzer, and Justin smartly and rightfully said no."
The night of the arrest, Timberlake reportedly had dinner and a martini with friends at the American Hotel, a well-known celebrity haunt. Eyewitnesses claimed that the singer seemed "wasted" and even drank from someone else's unattended glass. Sag Harbor police have a reputation for monitoring patrons leaving popular bars and stopping them for traffic violations, which Timberlake unfortunately fell afoul of.
Upon his arrest, Timberlake expressed concerns about the impact it would have on his upcoming world tour, reportedly saying under his breath, "This is going to ruin the tour." The pop star later performed in Chicago, addressing the crowd with, "It's been a tough week. I know I'm hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back."
Timberlake pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Sag Harbor Village Court and was released without bail. If convicted, he could face up to a year in jail, but experts believe he is likely to receive a lighter sentence as this is his first offense.
The incident has even inspired fans to create merchandise featuring Timberlake's mugshot, turning a legal predicament into an unexpected commercial opportunity. From shirts to glasses, Timberlake's mugshot is making the rounds on platforms like Etsy, some even featuring humorous twists on the singer's own lyrics.
Officer Arkinson, who turns 24 this month, remains a controversial figure among Sag Harbor's wealthy residents for his rigorous enforcement of traffic laws. Despite Timberlake's global fame, Arkinson didn't recognize him, having been a toddler when Timberlake's band NSYNC hit the charts.
