Justin Timberlake appears to be taking his recent arrest lightly.
The 43-year-old “Cry Me a River” singer appeared to be joking about his DUI arrest while performing at TD Garden in Boston on Saturday, according to a video shared on social media.
“Is anybody driving here tonight? No, I'm just kidding,” Timberlake said as he addressed the crowd, pausing before finishing his sentence.
After the audience cheered and laughed at Timberlake's joke about drinking and driving, he finished the sentence differently, asking, “Is there anybody here who's here for the first time at this show tonight?”
USA TODAY has reached out to Timberlake's representatives.
Want to take a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Timberlake appeared to be joking about his arrest in the Hamptons earlier this month on suspicion of drunk driving. According to the Sag Harbor Village Police Department, the singer was pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign and “maintaining in his lane.” After police investigated, “it was determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating a vehicle while intoxicated.”
The arrest came during Timberlake's “Forget Tomorrow” tour.
Justin Timberlake Arrested:The singer was charged with drunk driving in the Hamptons.
After the joke, Timberlake took a more serious tone about his relationship with his fans.
“Hey guys, it's been almost 30 years,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, you've all been such big and beautiful and special parts of my life, and I hope I've been even half as much for you. I'm so grateful to every single one of you in this room tonight. I love you all so much. And here's to another 30 years. Let's keep it going.”
Timberlake addressed his DUI arrest during a concert in Chicago on June 21, but didn't offer any details about what happened.
“We've been through good times and bad, right and left, together,” he said onstage at the United Center. “It's been a tough week, but you're here and I'm here and nothing can change this moment.”
“I know I'm not a very lovable person.”Justin Timberlake says it's been a 'tough week' after being arrested for DUI
He added: “I know sometimes I'm hard to love, but you continue to love me and I love you.”
Timberlake has not spoken further about the arrest, but in a statement provided to USA Today earlier this month, his lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., said his company would “vigorously defend” Timberlake against the charges.
The lawyer added, “We have a lot to say at the appropriate time, but for now we are awaiting full discovery from the District Attorney's Office.”
Timberlake's joke drew mixed reactions on social media, with one fan saying it made him “lol” on TikTok, while others were critical.
“Drunk driving is no joke. He should be ashamed,” one fan wrote, while another commented: “I don't see the humor in that. Especially when someone has died from drinking and driving.”
Contributor: Jay Staal, Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, Craig S. Semon, Worcester Telegram & Gazette
