Gayle King has come forward to defend Justin Timberlake following his recent arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI). On Wednesday’s episode of “CBS Mornings,” King expressed her support for Timberlake, emphasizing that the singer is generally a responsible and upstanding individual who made a regrettable mistake.
During the segment, King described Timberlake as a “great guy” and insisted that his alleged actions were out of character. She referred to the incident as a “stupid mistake” and stressed that Timberlake is not typically a reckless person. King acknowledged that there is no excuse for driving under the influence but expressed confidence that Timberlake is aware of his error.
King’s comments came after Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday morning in Sag Harbor, New York. According to police reports, Timberlake was pulled over after allegedly running a stop sign and swerving between lanes. Officers claimed that Timberlake exhibited signs of intoxication, including glassy and bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and slurred speech. They also reported that he failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a breathalyzer test.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, King maintained that Timberlake’s actions do not reflect his true character. She reiterated that he is not an irresponsible or careless person and urged people not to judge him too harshly. King also highlighted the importance of finding alternative transportation options if one has been drinking, such as calling a cab or using a ride-hailing service.
Timberlake spent the night in jail following his arrest but was released without bail after his arraignment. His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., has stated that they plan to vigorously fight the DWI charge. King expressed her support for Timberlake, indicating that she believes he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
The arresting officer’s report detailed Timberlake’s behavior during the traffic stop, noting that he appeared unsteady and performed poorly on sobriety tests. However, it was also mentioned that the officer did not recognize Timberlake, which may have influenced the interaction. Timberlake reportedly expressed concern about the impact of the arrest on his upcoming tour, indicating the potential personal and professional consequences of the incident.
While Timberlake has not publicly commented on the arrest, his legal team is preparing to defend him in court. The singer is scheduled to appear in court on July 26, the same day he is set to perform at Madison Square Garden as part of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
King’s defense of Timberlake highlights the complexities of public perception and the challenges of navigating personal mistakes in the public eye. Her comments reflect a broader conversation about accountability, forgiveness, and the pressures faced by public figures. As the legal proceedings unfold, Timberlake’s case will continue to be a topic of discussion and scrutiny.
