Justin Timberlake addresses reporters after pleading guilty to driving while ability impaired
Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty Friday to a traffic infraction -- driving while ability impaired -- to resolve his driving while intoxicated case in the Hamptons.
Timberlake apologized for his conduct in comments to reporters after court, saying, "Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life . ... I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself -- and this was not that.”
"I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision. But I’ve had some time to reflect on that," he said.
"What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening: Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber," Timberlake said.
Timberlake appeared in person in Sag Harbor Village court on Friday. The judge ordered him to pay a fine and perform community service.
Timberlake also agreed to appear in a public service announcement about the dangers of drunk driving.
"The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American Hotel," Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Blake, told reporters after court as the pop star looked on. "And contrary to what was reported, he wasn't drinking other people's drinks, or warned in advance not to drive. He wasn't rude, he wasn't obnoxious, he wasn't belligerent. In fact, he was polite and he was cooperative and he was respectful during his entire encounter with law enforcement."
"His plea today to the reduced and amended non-criminal charge ... is consistent with these facts," he said.
Timberlake said, "This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have."
"We can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part, I hope that everyone else does their part," he said.
Timberlake was leaving a hotel in June when he was stopped for running a stop sign and swerving into the oncoming lane.
The officer smelled booze on the pop star's breath, and police noted he had bloodshot, glassy eyes, according to a police report. Timberlake also had slow speech, was unsteady on his feet and performed poorly on a field sobriety test, according to the criminal complaint.
Timberlake told the arresting officer he had only one drink, the complaint said.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement Friday, "Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his behavior, and for using his platform to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. ... In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transit and ride-shares, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel when you are impaired in any way."
"Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant," Tierney added. "Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status."
The singer is currently on his "The Forget Tomorrow World Tour." His next concert is Sept. 28 in Newark, New Jersey.
