Justin Timberlake is in the clear (sort of) after pleading guilty for his most recent drunk driving case. This Friday, the artist pleaded guilty and received a much-reduced charge in his drunk driving case in Sag Harbor, New York. The court ordered him to pay just a $500 USD fine with additional community service hours that need to be fulfilled.
In New York, Timberlake pleaded guilty to “driving while ability impaired,” a violation of the law. Prior to the reduced sentencing, he was charged with a misdemeanour count of driving while intoxicated. In a press release held immediately after the court’s decision Timberlake said, “I did not live up to the standards that I try to hold for myself. I should’ve had better judgment…I understand the seriousness of this.” The judge has suspended Timberlake’s license and ordered him to 25-40 hours of community services at a non-profit, as well as ordered him to make a “public safety announcement.” The press statement after was in fulfillment to that order. He added, “Even if you had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber. There’s many travel apps. Take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever’s watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”
The case pertains to his arrest back in June when he was stopped for weaving in and out of his lane and not obliging to the stop sign. When arrested, the arresting officer noted that his eyes were “bloodshot” and “glassy” when he failed the field sobriety test. Timberlake’s attorney Ed Burke has denied any claims that his client was drunk. He noted at the time, “The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI.” A DWI charge would mean that the blood alcohol level of .08 or higher was found whereas a DWAI charge sees a BAC of .05-.07.
Many fans have taken to social media to comment on Timberlake’s sentencing with many stating that the he got off “way too easy,” adding, “Not ok. We can’t negotiate. Community service and ongoing communication to the public for a year.” Another said, “Luck him,” while one other X user said, “White privilege is great!..” Fans were quick to point out and claim that his celebrity status allowed him the reduced sentence. Another X user called him out stating, “Celebrities are just like us. So relatable. Great job. Boooo,” and someone else agreed with the sentiment, “As usual, $$$ & privilege speaks!”
Watch what Timberlake had to say after the sentencing below.
Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to a lesser charge than drunk driving in New York state https://t.co/w3ryPqi0Aq pic.twitter.com/DMIVuf0an2
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 14, 2024
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