Justin Timberlake Sues to Stop Release of DWI Arrest Footage

Lawyers for Justin Timberlake, 45, filed a lawsuit Monday to stop Sag Harbor, N.Y. police from releasing eight hours of video surrounding the singer's June 18th, 2024 arrest and charges for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The lawsuit claims that the footage "spans eight continuous hours, documenting Timberlake’s initial stop, the officer’s questioning, sobriety tests, the singer’s arrest and hours of his confinement".

"According to court documents, police notified Timberlake’s legal counsel on Sunday that it intended to release the footage from the arrest," the Los Angeles Times continued. "The singer’s team swiftly responded by submitting a written objection, which the police verbally denied, according to the lawsuit. Police told Timberlake’s team it intended to release the arrest video on Monday."

Attorneys for the former lead singer of boy band NSYNC responded by filing a lawsuit on Monday against the Village of Sag Harbor, the Sag Harbor Police Department and the chief of police.

"The complaint, filed in Suffolk County Supreme Court, alleges that the police department’s intention to release police body camera footage from the singer’s arrest in June 2024 'constitutes an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy' and would 'cause severe and irreparable harm' to the singer’s 'personal and professional reputation.'"

"The lawsuit said the footage shows Timberlake 'in an acutely vulnerable state' and includes sensitive information, including familial and medical details."

Police alleged that Timberlake failed to stop at a stop sign and failed to stay in his lane. They further stated that the officer who stopped Timberlake determined that he was intoxicated, due to bloodshot and glassy eyes, slowed speech, and the conclusion that he "performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests."

"Timberlake pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of impaired driving, had his driving privileges suspended and was sentenced in September to 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit of his choosing," the Los Angeles Times reported. "He was also required to pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge and to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of impaired driving."

"The Associated Press reported that a Sag Harbor judge did not immediately rule on the complaint following a hearing on Monday, but requested the opposing parties 'confer on a possible resolution and report back later in the week.'"

Justin Timberlake booking photo June 18, 2024 (Courtesy Sag Harbor Village Police Dept.)