Justin Timberlake’s joking attitude towards arrest raises eyebrows
Justin Timberlake’s driving privileges have been revoked in New York, nearly two months after his DUI arrest.
The singer, currently touring Europe, appeared virtually in a Sag Harbor court, pleading not guilty to drunk driving charges related to the June 18 incident.
His attorney, Edward Burke Jr., sought to dismiss the case, citing errors in the charging documents.
Timberlake was arrested after allegedly running a stop sign and driving erratically in his BMW X7.
He was also cited for failure to stay in his lane. If convicted, he faces up to one year in jail and $500 to $1,000 in fines.
Peter T. Goodrich, a New York attorney, noted that jail time is unlikely without an accident or egregious circumstances, saying, “If you had an accident, that spins the case a lot differently.”
Timberlake made light of his arrest during a tour performance, joking, “Is there anyone here that is driving? No, I’m just kidding.”
He acknowledged the incident, saying, “It’s been a tough week… I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back.”
According to Police, Timberlake was pulled over after failing to stop at a stop sign and maintain his lane. Court documents allege that an officer described his eyes as “bloodshot and glassy” and noted a “strong odour of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath.
When arrested, Timberlake reportedly said, “This is going to ruin the tour.” The arresting officer asked, “What tour?”
Burke Jr. expressed his enthusiasm for defending Timberlake, saying, “We look forward to vigorously defending Mr Timberlake against these allegations. He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time.”