NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Timberlake struggled to perform field sobriety tests requiring him to walk a straight line and stand on one leg after he was pulled over in New York’s Hamptons in 2024 by police officers who suspected him of driving drunk, according to video footage released Friday.
The pop star tells officers at one point, “these are like really hard tests.”
The footage, which runs roughly eight hours, includes Timberlake’s initial stop after Sag Harbor police said he ran a stop sign in the village center and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol that June.
The NSYNC singer-turned-solo artist and actor tells officers he had consumed one martini and had been following friends home in the affluent beach town.
When asked why he is in town, Timberlake replies, “I’m on a world tour.” However, when probed further, he adds, “Hard to explain,” and concludes with, “I’m Justin Timberlake.”
Timberlake, who ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, is asked by officers to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line on the road and lift one leg. At times he seems flustered listening to the instructions, stating, “I’m a little nervous." In the back seat of the police car, he questions, “Why are you arresting me?”
He was informed he would be held overnight, expressing disbelief, “You guys are wild, man,” and requesting the officer to keep the light on in the cell as they locked the door.
The release of the footage comes after a records request by multiple media outlets including the Associated Press. His lawyers had initially sought to block the release, arguing it would invade Timberlake's privacy and harm his reputation.
However, in a recent ruling, Timberlake’s lawyers admitted the video did not constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, leading to its release. The village’s officials expressed satisfaction at complying with public records law.
Timberlake ultimately pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024, resulting in 25 hours of community service, a $500 fine, and a 90-day license suspension.
As part of his plea deal, he agreed to participate in public safety announcements against drunk driving.
