Justin Timberlake’s recent arrest for driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons has brought his past struggles with substance abuse back into the spotlight. The pop star, who was detained early Tuesday morning, has a history of heavy drinking and drug use that he has openly discussed in the past.
Nearly two decades ago, Timberlake candidly spoke about his partying lifestyle in an interview with a British magazine. He admitted to using drugs and getting “plastered” in private, while being careful to avoid public scrutiny. “I’ve never done anything that bad,” he said in 2006. “I don’t show up drunk to functions; the drugs that I do have been in my own private time. I’ve never been arrested — though that’s not to say that I won’t.”
Timberlake’s recent arrest in Sag Harbor, where he was charged with driving while intoxicated, seems to confirm his earlier prediction. Witnesses reported that the singer was “wasted” at the American Hotel before he was pulled over by police. He failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer, leading to his arrest.
A music insider revealed that Timberlake has had a “real drinking problem” for years. “It’s not a secret. Everyone knows,” the insider said. “He has a real drinking problem, a lot of weed — but a major alcohol problem, and he’s been hiding and masking it for years.”
Timberlake’s drinking reportedly escalated in recent months, partly due to the backlash from ex-girlfriend Britney Spears’ revelations in her 2023 memoir, “The Woman in Me.” Spears accused Timberlake of cheating on her and pressuring her to get an abortion when they were dating.
Over the years, Timberlake has been involved in several high-profile scandals. In 2004, he was part of the infamous “Nipplegate” incident at the Super Bowl, where he exposed Janet Jackson’s breast during the Halftime Show. More recently, in 2019, he was photographed holding hands with his co-star Alisha Wainwright, raising questions about his marriage to Jessica Biel.
Despite these controversies, Timberlake has managed to maintain a successful career. He is currently on his “Forget Tomorrow” tour, which features hits from his career and his new album, “Everything I Thought It Was.” However, his recent arrest has cast a shadow over his tour, with Timberlake reportedly worried that it could “ruin the tour.”
Timberlake’s attorney confirmed that he was charged with a single count of DWI due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer test. He was also cited for running a stop sign and swerving out of his lane while driving a gray BMW SUV. Timberlake was arraigned on Tuesday morning and released on his own recognizance.
Jessica Biel, Timberlake’s wife, has been a positive influence in his life. She recently posted a Father’s Day tribute to him on Instagram, calling him “THE ROCK” of their family. Despite the recent scandal, Biel has stood by her husband, and the couple has two sons together.
Timberlake’s arrest has once again brought his struggles with substance abuse into the public eye. While he has admitted to using drugs and drinking heavily in the past, his recent behavior suggests that these issues may still be affecting him. As he continues his tour, it remains to be seen how this latest scandal will impact his career and personal life.
