Video of Justin Timberlake drunk-drive arrest released

According to published video footage, Justin Timberlake had difficulty taking field sobriety tests that required him to walk in a straight line and stand on one leg after being pulled over by police officers who suspected him of driving under the influence in 2024.

The pop star told officers at one point: “These are really tough tests.”

The nearly eight-hour-long footage includes Timberlake’s first stop after Sag Harbor police say he ran a stop sign in the village center, swerved out of his lane and emerged from his BMW smelling of alcohol that June.

The NSYNC singer and solo artist and actor told officers he drank a martini and followed friends home to the former whaling village, located among the affluent beach towns of the Hamptons about 100 miles east of New York City.

When a police officer asks why he’s in town, Timberlake says, “I’m on a world tour.”

“What are you doing?” the officer asks.

“It’s hard to explain,” Timberlake says.

After stuttering a bit, he says, “World tour. I’m Justin Timberlake.”

The officer finally responds: “You’re Justin Timberlake? Do you have your driver’s license with you?”

Timberlake, who eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, was asked by officers to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line on the road and lift one leg. Sometimes he seems flustered when listening to instructions. He apologizes to the officers and tells them his heart is beating fast.

“I’m a little nervous,” Timberlake said at one point.

In the backseat of the police car he asks: “Why are you arresting me?”

At the police station, Timberlake was informed that he would be held there overnight, and he said, “I’ll be here all night? You’re crazy, man.”

He asks the officer to keep the cell light on while he locks the door.

The statement by Sag Harbor Police came after the village and Timberlake’s lawyers agreed to release a redacted version of the footage. The Associated Press was among several media organizations that requested records to release the video.

Timberlake’s lawyers had filed a lawsuit to block the release of the video, arguing that it would “devastate” Timberlake’s privacy by revealing “private, highly personal and sensitive details.” They also said it would cause “serious and irreparable harm” to his reputation by subjecting him to “public ridicule and harassment”.

But in a joint filing with the village on Friday, Timberlake’s lawyers acknowledged that the video “does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under the state’s public information law” and agreed to its release.

Timberlake’s lawyers and representatives did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.

Sag Harbor officials said in a statement by the village’s attorney, Vincent Toomey, that they were pleased the issue was resolved and that they were able to comply with the state public records law.

Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024.

The Tennessee native agreed to make a public safety announcement against the dangers of drunk driving as part of the plea agreement that reduced the original misdemeanor charge to a non-criminal traffic violation.

He was also sentenced to a $500 ($700) fine, 25 hours of community service and a 90-day license suspension.