Justin Timberlake addresses DWI arrest at concert, says ‘It’s been a tough week’

Justin Timberlake' mugshit. (Image via X)

Justin Timberlake admits life has been tough lately with his arrest earlier this week for drinking while driving in the Hamptons. At a tour stop in Chicago the singer, songwriter, and actor thanked his fans for their support and asked them to continue supporting him.

"It's been a rough week," he confessed. "I know sometimes I'm hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back," He went on to remind his fans of the shared experiences they've faced, both the highs and lows.

The incident took place in Sag Harbor, a renowned summer hotspot in the Hamptons on Long Island. When officers pulled him over, they noted  Timberlake's eyes were "blooshot and glassy," and his breath had a "strong odour of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath," as detailed in the charging document. His speech was slow, and he did not perform well on the sobriety tests, the document stated. Additionally, he refused to take a breathalyzer test. "I had one martini and I followed my friends home," Timberlake reportedly told the officer, according to CBS News, a partner of the BBC in the US.

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After being officially charged, he was released without bail and is set to appear virtually in court on July 26, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. The Chicago concerts mark his first public performances since the arrest. These shows are part of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, his first major tour in five years, with a second concert scheduled for Saturday night.

The tour will then head abroad next month, starting with a two-night event in Poland. His court date coincides with the beginning of his world tour at the Tauron Arena in Krakow. In New York, the penalties for a DWI charge can include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and at least a six-month suspension of the driver's license. Timberlake is set to perform in Chicago this weekend, followed by a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden next Tuesday.

As a former member of the iconic 90s boy band NSYNC, Timberlake has built a multifaceted career as an actor, songwriter, and one of the world’s best-selling music artists. The 10-time Grammy winner is also recognized for his performances in films such as The Social Network and Friends With Benefits.