Multi-Grammy Award Winner Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty on Friday to driving while impaired, concluding a case that began with his June 2024 arrest in the Hamptons for drunken driving. The singer accepted a plea deal requiring him to pay a $500 fine and serve 25 hours of community service at a charity of his choice. Additionally, his driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days in New York.
The case was initially more severe, with Timberlake facing charges of driving while intoxicated. At a courthouse in Sag Harbor, Timberlake acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret over his actions. He appeared remorseful during the hearing, telling the court that he should have called for a ride instead of driving after consuming alcohol.
“It was a clear misjudgment,” Timberlake admitted. “To everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. This is a mistake that I made, and I’m hoping that whoever’s watching right now can learn from it.”
Justice Carl Irace, overseeing the case, commended Timberlake for his sincerity but questioned why drug and alcohol counselling was not included in the plea deal. Although the judge did not impose counselling, he stressed the importance of reflection through Justin Timberlake’s community service commitment.
Justin Timberlake’s arrest occurred in the early hours of June 18 when a police officer noticed his erratic driving. The singer, who claimed he had only consumed “one martini,” struggled with sobriety tests and was detained overnight. His arrest garnered widespread media attention and mockery, with memes and tabloid coverage circulating online.
Despite the public scrutiny, Justin Timberlake’s legal troubles did not interfere with his Forget Tomorrow world tour. He has continued performing, even joking about the charges at a Boston concert in June. Timberlake is slated to perform at the Prudential Center in Newark later this month as part of a charity event benefiting a suicide-prevention organization.
While Timberlake’s celebrity status has drawn sympathy and criticism, the guilty plea marks the end of a challenging summer for the star. Timberlake’s message remains clear as he moves forward: learn from his mistake, and don’t drink and drive.
