Pop star Justin Timberlake’s recent DWI arrest in the Hamptons has sparked discussions about celebrity accountability. Timberlake, who was advised by a police officer to find a ride home, chose to drive instead, leading to his arrest.
The incident began early Tuesday morning when Timberlake was stopped by a young officer from the Sag Harbor Police Department. The officer did not initially recognize Timberlake and let him off with a warning, believing he was not a threat. However, Timberlake was soon observed by the same officer driving his BMW SUV erratically, running a stop sign and swerving.
Upon realizing it was the same driver, the officer arrested Timberlake. A law enforcement source remarked, “The officer didn’t recognize him; he’s a young guy. And he still gave Justin a break, because he didn’t pose an immediate danger.” The source expressed frustration at Timberlake’s actions, saying, “What a dumba**. I am thinking he could afford a driver.”
Timberlake was reportedly well-mannered during the arrest but refused the Breathalyzer test three times. He claimed to have only had a martini while dining with friends at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor. Nevertheless, court documents indicate that he performed poorly on sobriety tests, with glassy eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol.
A different law enforcement source mentioned that the American Hotel has a history of protecting its patrons from police. “Before cell phones and cameras were everywhere, bartenders in the village would call 911 and report a fire or an accident miles away, just so their customers could drive home,” the source said.
Timberlake expressed concerns over how the arrest could affect his tour. At a concert in Chicago, he addressed his fans, saying, “It’s been a tough week. I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back.”
With a court appearance set for July 26, Timberlake faces up to a year in jail if convicted. However, experts believe he will likely receive a lighter sentence since this is his first offense.
