Justin Timberlake's lawyers are laying out an interesting defense in his DUI case: He wasn't drunk in the first place.
In a statement obtained by Variety and CNN, Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., told reporters that Timberlake was “not intoxicated” when he was arrested last month in Sag Harbor, New York, for drunk driving.
“The most important fact in this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DUI,” Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Burke, said in a statement, according to entertainment media, later adding that police “made a number of very significant errors in this case.”
The statement continued: “Justin has great respect for law enforcement and the very important work they do. He has always cooperated with police officers and treated them with the respect they deserve. He also respects the entire judicial process, including the District Attorney and the judge who appeared in court today.”
According to a press release from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department at the time, Timberlake was arrested by police in the Hamptons at 12:37 a.m. on June 18. Sag Harbor is part of the Hamptons, about 100 miles east of New York City.
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Timberlake was pulled over by police in his 2025 BMW for failing to stop at a stop sign and “maintaining in his lane.” According to the Sag Harbor Village Police Department, “The investigation determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating a vehicle while intoxicated.” Timberlake's next court date is July 26.
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'I'm Hard to Love': Timberlake Admits to Arrest to Fan at Concert
Timberlake later addressed fans at a concert in Chicago, where he responded to his DUI arrest. The “Selfish” singer, 43, also spoke to the crowd at his concert at the United Center in late June.
“We've been through the good times, the bad times, the left and the right together,” Timberlake said in a video from the event posted to a fan account. “It's been a tough week, but you and I are here together. Nothing can change this moment.”
“I know that sometimes I'm a hard person to love, but you all continue to love me and I love you all. Thank you so much!” Timberlake continued after a bow to the audience and a brief silence following applause and cheers.