OAN Staff James Meyers
11:49 AM – Friday, September 13, 2024
Singer Justin Timberlake issued a court-ordered apology to the public on Friday for driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons, urging others not to drink and drive.
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“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” said Timberlake, who was ordered to deliver a public statement after obtaining a plea deal to a lesser violation in the case. “Even one drink — don’t get behind the wheel of the car.”
The “Suit and Tie” singer pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of “driving while ability impaired,” and was sentenced by Justice Carl Irace to 25-to-40 hours of community service. He was also ordered to issue a public statement about his poor actions.
The NSYNC singer admitted that while “I try to hold myself to a very high standard, this was not that.” Additionally, Timberlake said that he “could have made a different decision” and added that since the incident, he’s “had some time to reflect on that.”
“And I also understand by, you know, the fact that all of you are here, that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform. And so what I like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve 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.”
“I also said this in the courtroom before, but I grew up in a small town, so I can appreciate and understand the strain or unique nature that this must have been on the people of Sag Harbor. But I just want to say to everyone who’s been involved, from everyone in the courtroom to everyone outside, including the police department, that I’m very grateful. And I thank them and, I guess in closing, I’d like to say we can all be more safe out there. And I’m going to do my part. I hope that everyone else does their part. And thank you very much.”
Timberlake was pulled over in Sag Harbor on June 18th after not stopping at a stop sign and failing to stay in his lane, according to court documents.
He allegedly told the arresting officer, “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.”
Additionally, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test three separate times. Officers noted that he had bloodshot eyes, smelled like alcohol, and couldn’t even speak properly, according to court documents.
He initially pleaded not guilty to driving while intoxicated, but agreed to a plea deal on Friday. His driver’s license was suspended during a hearing last month.
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