Justin Timberlake to crowd: is there anyone here tonight that is driving?

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It’s been two weeks since Justin Timberlake was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Sag Harbor, NY. Justin was allegedly partying on Long Island (LI native here; it’s “on” not “in” LI) because his wife, Jessica Biel, is filming The Better Sister in NYC. Contrary to Justin’s drunken fears, his arrest did not ruin the tour. In fact, he headed to Chicago for two shows a few days after it all went down. This past weekend, Justin did a concert in Boston at the TD Garden. During the show, Justin tested out some new comedy material. I know what you’re thinking: “Surely, Justin wouldn’t dare make a joke about driving that comes across as poking fun at his situation?” Oh, fo’ shiz, fo’ shiz he did!

On Saturday, the singer took the stage at Boston’s TD Garden for his Forget Tomorrow World Tour and made a joke about driving following his DWI arrest on June 18. In a clip shared across social media, the 43-year-old “Selfish” singer stands on stage as he addresses the crowd. “So uhhh, is there anyone here tonight that is driving?” he says as the crowd cheers. “No, I’m just kidding.”

Timberlake quickly pivots after making the quip, asking if there’s anyone in the audience who is experiencing the show for the first time.

The GRAMMY-winning singer’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour has continued in the weeks after Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, for allegedly driving while intoxicated. At the time, Timberlake’s defense attorney, Edward Burke Jr., confirmed to ET that he was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated and was released without bail. Timberlake’s next court appearance will be virtual and is scheduled for Friday, July 26.

In the week that followed his arrest, the “Mirrors” singer returned to the stage to continue his tour. Timberlake spoke out about the incident during the first show since his arrest at Chicago’s United Center.

“We’ve been together through ups and downs and lefts and rights and, uh, it’s been a tough week,” Timberlake said in video shared on social media. “But you’re here. I’m here … I know sometimes I’m hard to love but you keep on loving me and I love you right back. Thank you so much.”

Before continuing the show, Timberlake appeared to wipe away tears. Following his arrest, a source told ET that Timberlake was “feeling remorseful, ashamed, and humiliated.”

“This situation has taken a toll on him, but he is trying to view it as a way that he can reset himself,” the source said. “He does his best to set a positive example for himself, [Jessica Biel], his family and the public, and will continue to try to learn and grow. He is taking this seriously and recognizes how it can impact his family dynamic as a husband and father, and his fans too.”

[From ET Online]

Maybe I don’t have a very good sense of humor, but I don’t really find this very funny. Making self-deprecating jokes about his own behavior is one thing, but a) it’s too soon; and b) he still hasn’t taken any responsibility for his actions, so it just comes across as him making fun of the entire situation, not just poking fun at himself. Am I overreacting here? I guess it’s good that he didn’t, like, hold up a beer and ask the crowd if any of them were driving home from the show. He didn’t do it with bloodshot, glassy eyes, either, so there’s also that. You can watch the clip of his joke below. It’s kinda wild how much the audience eats it up. I wonder if they believe that he was drinking and driving and don’t care or think that he’s just another innocent victim, being made an example of because he’s rich and famous.

@pey10_ He is a total savage 😂🤣 #justintimberlake #jt #boston #tdgarden #justin #concert #tour ♬ original sound – Peyton

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photos credit: Backgrid, Avalon.red and Getty

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31 Responses to “Justin Timberlake to crowd: is there anyone here tonight that is driving?”

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  1. UpIn Toronto says:

    Ugh he is pathetic

    • HillaryIsAlwaysRight says:

      I would expect no less of him than to make a joke out of something serious like drinking while impaired. And if his wife is filming a movie in the city, why is he hanging out 3 hours away on the East End of Long Island?

  2. Ana Maria says:

    I find it incredible that there are people out there who pay to watch this has-been-clown

    • Lau says:

      I like to think that at least some of these people are there just to see if he’ll perform completely drunk and on drugs like in the video that made the rounds in which he was clearly under the influence. But for sure there will always be stupid people to keep paying to see him perform as if nothing was happening.

  3. Tate says:

    What a tool.

  4. Flamingo says:

    Keep cracking jokes Justin. The Prosecutor will be more than happy to play it for the jury. Since this is all a joke to you. And an insult to those that lost loves ones to drunk drivers like you.

  5. Ash says:

    He could have used that moment with his platform to shout out advice to anyone drinking at his concert to call a DD or rideshare. He’s an idiot.

    • Minnieder says:

      He could have but he’s not that smart!

    • Jais says:

      I actually thought that was going to be the follow-up. But no.

    • kirk says:

      He has children? Wonder if he’s ever heard of MADD? Drunk driving deaths accounted for more than 32% of all traffic fatalities in 2022 – 13,000+ people per NHTSA, and 43.6% of fatally injured drivers tested positive for drugs. Justin is probably too busy siccing TMZ and DailyFail on Sag Harbor policeman Michael Arkinson to keep up with stuff like laws or stats on impaired driving. Uggly bloodshot eyes in mug shot. So what if the bartender only served him one drink? Doesn’t tell us anything about other stuff he took before or after that one drink.

      StubHub is reporting $108 ticket price for economy seat to see Justin Timberlake in Baltimore. Think I’ll take that money and make donations to MADD and Sag Harbor Police instead.

    • bisynaptic says:

      🎯

  6. Kebbie says:

    Seems like a stretch to even call this a joke. What is the joke? I wish SNL hadn’t convinced this man he was funny.

  7. Jais says:

    A source close to JT says he is taking this seriously. Meanwhile, on the tour, the world tour, he’s got jokes. Which would suggest that he is not in fact taking it seriously. But sure, I’ll believe he is embarrassed. And making jokes to alleviate his embarrassment. Still doesn’t mean it’s in good taste.

  8. Molly says:

    The “situation” has “taken a toll on him”? As though this was put upon him.

    Nice way to own your f*kery, jerk. See the self-reflection is going well…

  9. NotSoSocialB says:

    This screams his mens rea. 🙄

  10. Amy Bee says:

    The arrogance. I can’t stand him.

  11. MY3CENTS says:

    Would not expect anything less from this guy. He has never truly been held accountable and been remorseful about anything .

  12. Rnot says:

    So he doesn’t think he has a problem. When he hits rock bottom, it’s gonna be rough. I hope he doesn’t hurt anyone else on his way down.

  13. ML says:

    “ Am I overreacting here? ”
    Nope.

  14. Emme says:

    He’s an arse.

  15. girl_ninja says:

    Ugh…he looks like sh*t and is aging like eggs.

  16. Pugglebum says:

    I wouldn’t even go to his concert if I won a free ticket.

  17. Get Real says:

    Once a docuhebag. Always a douchebag. He’s in for one deep bottom.

  18. Renae says:

    I find Justin extremely talented.
    That said, I don’t look to any “celebrity” as a role model and find it silly and juvenile for others to cite them as such.

  19. Denver D says:

    How is this guy not working with a Publicist and PR team…Like 101 here, bro.

  20. Thena says:

    He should forget tomorrow’s ticket sales at this point.

  21. bisynaptic says:

    Just to clarify: what is he feeling remorseful about?

  22. Anonymous says:

    He’s always been a douche. He only takes responsibility for his actions when the push back is far too great or he’ll make himself a victim until he can (see the whole Britney and Janet thing).

  23. JC says:

    Look – I never was a fan of Nsync or JT back in the day and driving under the influence is BAD. But these comments are harsh. Like goddamn … talking about his physical appearance. Addiction is rough. I feel for him and sympathize. I still can’t stand him and his music.