Justin Timberlake spoke to the media after pleading guilty on Friday to a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) in his driving while intoxicated (DWI) case in Sag Harbor, N.Y. He said he hopes others “can learn from this mistake.”
The “SexyBack” singer appeared in Sag Harbor Village Court to enter a new plea stemming from his June arrest in the Hamptons after making a deal with prosecutors for the reduced noncriminal charge, which is a traffic violation. The judge sentenced him to 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing and required him to pay a $500 fine, with a $260 surcharge, and make a public safety announcement about the dangers of driving while impaired.
Timberlake said after the hearing, “I try to hold myself to a very high standard, and this was not that” and that he “should’ve had better judgment.” He also said he understood “the seriousness of” what happened, is “grateful for the opportunity to move forward” and will make “better decisions.”
Outside court, Timberlake stood behind his attorney, Edward Burke Jr., who thanked the Suffolk County district attorney’s office for reducing the charge in the plea deal. Burke also told the press that, contrary to reports, Timberlake had “one drink” consumed over “two hours” at the American Hotel before getting behind the wheel on the night he was arrested.
The “Mirrors” singer, who has kept mum since his arrest (except for a comment during a concert about having a “tough week”), then addressed the media. He was wearing a black shirt, a black sweater, brown pants and a pearl necklace. He removed his sunglasses before he spoke.
“Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself,” said the performer. “This is not that. I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision.”
Timberlake, who lost his license for one year for refusing to take a Breathalyzer or chemical test, said that having had time to reflect on what happened, he wanted to share what he had learned.
“I’d 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 … take a taxi.”
He continued, “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.”
Timberlake said he was “grateful” to the police, courts and everyone involved with bringing resolution to this case. “In closing,” he added, “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.”
