Pop star Justin Timberlake, in a virtual appearance, pled not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence before a judge who suspended his driver’s license in New York, as reported by US media on Friday.
Timberlake, aged 43, was pulled over on June 18 in Sag Harbor, approximately 100 miles east of New York City, after law enforcement observed his BMW running a stop sign and having difficulty staying in the lane.
The arresting officer described the state of the “Cry Me a River” singer as unfit to operate a vehicle.
According to the police report, “His eyes were bloodshot and glassy, he emitted a strong alcoholic odor from his breath, showed signs of impaired attention, speech slurring, unsteady gait, and performed poorly on sobriety tests.”
Presenting from Antwerp, Belgium, where he currently tours to promote his latest album, Justin Timberlake participated in the hearing via video link.
Judge Carl Irace ruled to suspend Timberlake’s New York driving privileges for the case’s duration. The singer’s attorney, Edward Burke, stated that this suspension would remain effective throughout the proceedings.
Burke reiterated that the “SexyBack” artist was not intoxicated at the time of the incident, claiming he had consumed only one martini before being stopped.
The next court date for the case is set for August 9, with Timberlake not mandated to attend in person.
AFP