Justin Timberlake, 43, opened up about his challenging week at Chicago’s United Center Stadium on Friday during his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. The singer was arrested for drink-driving after dining with friends on Long Island, New York.
Addressing the crowd, Timberlake admitted, “It’s been a tough week. I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back.” He further expressed his appreciation for his fans, acknowledging the “ups-and-downs and lefts-and-rights” they all face.
Reports suggest that Timberlake was distressed while in custody, as he grapples with the tarnishing of his “golden boy image.” A source told People, “He was freaking out and stayed up all night when he was in custody. He’s insisting he only had one drink and it wasn’t some wild night out.”
Friday’s Chicago concert marked Timberlake’s first performance since his Long Island arrest. He is scheduled to return to New York for shows at Madison Square Garden on June 25 and 26. His tour, set to end in December, includes shows in Boston and Cleveland before international dates begin in July.
Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr, stated, “I look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake on these allegations.” The pop star’s next court date is on July 26, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Timberlake was driving a BMW when he was pulled over in Sag Harbor at 12.37am local time for failing to maintain his lane and stopping at a stop sign. The arresting officer noted Timberlake’s “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and “strong odour of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath. Court documents reveal that Timberlake performed poorly on sobriety tests.
The 10-time Grammy winner allegedly declined a breath test, claiming he had one martini and was following friends home. Disappointment over his latest album’s performance may have contributed to his state. A source told Page Six, “The album didn’t do too well, and I don’t see Justin getting big acting roles right now.”
His latest single, “Everything I Thought It Was,” was his first solo release not to top the charts since 2002. Moreover, sales for his Forget Tomorrow World Tour have been underwhelming.
