Justin Timberlake had difficulty completing field sobriety tests during a traffic stop in the Hamptons, New York in 2024. Video footage released recently showed Timberlake struggling to walk in a straight line and balance on one leg, as police suspected him of driving under the influence.
During the stop, Timberlake told officers that the tests were challenging. The footage, lasting approximately eight hours, captured Timberlake’s initial encounter with Sag Harbor police after he allegedly ran a stop sign, swerved out of his lane, and emitted the smell of alcohol from his BMW in June of that year.
The singer and actor admitted to having consumed one martini and explained he was following his friends home in the historic whaling village, located in the upscale Hamptons area, about 160 kilometers east of New York City.
When questioned about his presence in town, Timberlake mentioned he was on a world tour. When an officer inquired further, Timberlake struggled to explain and eventually identified himself, leading to a request for his license.
Video of pop star Justin Timberlake’s drunk driving arrest in 2024 was released by Sag Harbor Police after the New York village and Timberlake’s lawyers agreed to release a redacted version of the footage. This excerpt shows the singer undergoing sobriety tests on the roadside and talking with officers while in custody at a police station. (Video credit: The Associated Press)
During the sobriety tests, Timberlake appeared flustered and nervous, apologizing to officers and mentioning his racing heart. In the police car, he questioned the reason for his arrest and expressed surprise at having to spend the night in custody.
At the police station, Timberlake was informed of his overnight detention, to which he responded with astonishment. He requested the officer to leave the light on in his cell as they locked the door.
‘Intimate, highly personal and sensitive details’
The release of the footage by Sag Harbor police followed an agreement between the village and Timberlake’s legal team to share a redacted version. Various media outlets, including The Associated Press, had sought the video through records requests.
Timberlake’s lawyers initially opposed the video’s release, citing concerns about privacy and potential harm to his reputation. However, they later acknowledged that the video did not violate privacy laws and consented to its disclosure in collaboration with the village.
Representatives for Timberlake did not respond immediately to requests for comments on the matter.
According to a statement provided by the village’s lawyer, Vincent Toomey, Sag Harbor officials expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the issue and their compliance with public records laws.
