Justin Timberlake Attempts to Block Release of DWI Arrest Video Footage.
Justin Timberlake is attempting to prevent the release of video footage related to his DWI arrest.
The Grammy-winning pop star, 43, was arrested in Sag Harbor, Long Island, in June 2024 for driving while intoxicated.
Arresting officers reported that Timberlake stated, “I had one martini, and I followed my friends home,” when he was pulled over.
He later admitted in court to having consumed more alcohol.
Several media outlets have requested the video of Timberlake's arrest.
A lawyer for the Village of Sag Harbor told NBC News of its intention to release the video with redactions.
Timberlake’s lawyers argued in court documents that public exposure would cause “stigma, harassment, reputational injury, and the permanent loss of privacy.”
According to the charging documents, Timberlake was driving in an “intoxicated condition in that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath.” The complaint also stated that “he was unable to divide attention, he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot, and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests.”
Timberlake’s lawyers are arguing for an exception to New York’s Freedom of Information Law, which allows body camera footage to be made public upon request.
They claim Timberlake’s arrest was not “any law enforcement action of public concern.” The filing also states, “The body-cam footage captures approximately eight hours of continuous recording and encroaches upon areas of Petitioner’s life and emotional state that have no relevance at all to Petitioner’s arrest.”
Timberlake’s attorney told E!
News that Timberlake sought a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the Village from releasing the video.
The Court took no formal action to allow the parties to confer on a potential resolution and for the Village to respond to the lawsuit.
Following his arrest, Timberlake served nine hours in jail.
His New York license was suspended for refusing a breathalyzer, and he was ordered to pay a $500 fine, complete 25-40 hours of community service, and create a PSA about drunk driving.
He pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2024.
Timberlake's comment that his arrest would “ruin the tour” became an internet joke.
He was ultimately able to continue his Forget Tomorrow World Tour without a hitch.
Less than a month after his arrest, he partnered with Tiger Woods to open a bar in Scotland.
Timberlake shares two kids, Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4, with his wife, Jessica Biel, 44.
Key points
- Justin Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, Long Island, in June 2024 for driving while intoxicated.
- Timberlake reportedly told officers he had one martini before being pulled over.
- Authorities noted Timberlake's bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol on his breath.
- Timberlake's lawyers are trying to prevent the release of his arrest video.
- Timberlake pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2024.