Justin Timberlake sues to block release of police video from 2024 drunken driving arrest in New York
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK — Justin Timberlake has taken legal action to prevent the release of police body camera footage related to his 2024 arrest for drunken driving in the Hamptons, New York. The pop star’s legal team is arguing that the video’s release would severely compromise his privacy by exposing “intimate, highly personal, and sensitive details.”

In a lawsuit filed on Monday against Sag Harbor village and its police department, Timberlake’s attorneys emphasized that making the footage public could inflict “severe and irreparable harm” to his reputation, leading to “public ridicule and harassment.” They highlighted that the video captures Timberlake in a particularly vulnerable state, showcasing details of his appearance, demeanor, speech, and conduct during field sobriety tests, the arrest itself, and his subsequent confinement over several hours.

During a hearing in state court in Riverhead, Judge Joseph Farneti did not make an immediate ruling. Instead, he requested that both parties discuss a potential resolution and report back later in the week, according to Vincent Toomey, legal counsel for Sag Harbor. As of now, Timberlake’s legal representatives have not responded to requests for comments on the matter.

“The footage at issue depicts Petitioner in an acutely vulnerable state during a roadside encounter with law enforcement, capturing intimate details of Petitioner’s physical appearance, demeanor, speech, and conduct during field sobriety testing, the subsequent arrest, and Petitioner’s confinement following arrest over the next several hours,” the lawsuit reads.

A judge didn’t immediately rule following a Monday hearing in state court in Riverhead, according to Vincent Toomey, a lawyer for Sag Harbor. Instead, Judge Joseph Farneti asked the two sides to confer on a possible resolution and report back later in the week, he said.

Timberlake’s lawyers didn’t immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

The NSYNC singer-turned-solo artist and actor pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024. Police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol that June.

The Tennessee native told officers he had had one martini and had been following some friends home in Sag Harbor, a former whaling village among the affluent beach towns of the Hamptons, some 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of New York City.

Timberlake agreed to give a public safety announcement against the perils of drunken driving as part of the plea deal that knocked down his initial misdemeanor charge to a noncriminal traffic violation. He was also sentenced to a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service and a 90-day suspension of his license.

“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” Timberlake said following his court appearance. “This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”

In their suit, Timberlake’s lawyers say they were notified Sunday that village officials intended to release some of the footage, with certain redactions, to comply with public records requests.

They say the total footage runs roughly eight hours and includes Timberlake’s initial stop, police questioning, the administration of field sobriety tests and his arrest.

The Associated Press was among several media outlets that filed a records request seeking the release of the video.

Sag Harbor Mayor Thomas Gardella said village officials have carefully reviewed the footage to ensure nothing would be released that could put police or the public at risk.

“We’re trying to be as transparent as can be with this footage,” he said, noting that the state’s public records law generally requires release of police body camera footage.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Influencer Karla Nogueira killed in motorcycle crash — and her dad killed himself after finding her

Tragic Double Loss: Influencer Karla Nogueira Dies in Motorcycle Accident, Grieving Father Takes Own Life

An enthusiast of motorcycles and a popular influencer, a young mother tragically…
WATCH: National Geographic's un-bee-lievable trailer for new series 'Secrets of the Bees' from executive producer James Cameron

Buzz-Worthy Reveal: National Geographic Unveils ‘Secrets of the Bees’ Trailer, Executive Produced by James Cameron

National Geographic has unveiled an exciting new trailer for the latest chapter…
Andy Dick has ‘5 to 7 holes’ in his brain after L.A. overdose

Andy Dick Suffers Significant Brain Damage Following Los Angeles Overdose

Comedian Andy Dick has candidly shared details about a harrowing experience last…
Latest news on Iran war: Northwestern University professors in Qatar, Jordan amid conflict with US, Israel

Northwestern University Professors in Qatar and Jordan Respond to Escalating Iran Conflict with US and Israel

A Northwestern University professor, Christina Paschyn, along with her family, is currently…
Asking Eric: Cheating ex returns; asks for second chance

Eric’s Dilemma: Former Partner Seeks Reconciliation After Infidelity

Dear Eric: I was married for several years to a woman who,…
Australian restaurant slapped with $28K fine for serving children 'poisoned' drink instead of juice

Shocking Mishap: Australian Eatery Fined $28K After Serving Toxic Drink to Kids Instead of Juice

In a shocking lapse of safety protocols, an Australian restaurant was fined…
Pentagon IDs 4 American troops killed in Kuwait

Tragic Loss: Pentagon Confirms Identities of 4 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Kuwait

In the early stages of the conflict with Iran, the Pentagon disclosed…
Chicago Fire Football Club breaks ground on stadium at The 78 site in South Loop

Chicago Fire FC Commences Construction on New Stadium at The 78 in South Loop

Excitement buzzes in Chicago as a significant development project is set to…
Suspicious vehicle seized, driver detained outside Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s primary watch party

Suspicious Vehicle Confiscated, Driver Apprehended Near Texas Senate Candidate Ken Paxton’s Primary Watch Event

In Dallas, police officers encountered a suspicious vehicle outside Attorney General Ken…
Timeline tracks diplomat’s path from college overachiever to alleged highway ‘road rage’ mass stabber

From College Star to Road Rage Suspect: The Surprising Journey of a Diplomat

The tragic story of a diplomat entangled in a fatal highway confrontation…
US, Ecuador launch joint operations targeting narco-terror groups

U.S. and Ecuador Join Forces in New Initiative to Combat Narco-Terrorism

In a significant move against narco-terrorism, U.S. and Ecuadorian forces commenced joint…
Gavin Newsom turns on Israel with blistering attack on ‘apartheid’ state

California Governor Gavin Newsom Condemns Israel as an ‘Apartheid State’ in Fiery Critique

California Governor Gavin Newsom has sharply criticized Israel, targeting its Prime Minister…