Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Justin Timberlake

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Justin Timberlake.

Justin Timberlake, an American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer, is often called the "Prince of Pop." Billboard has recognized him as a top male solo artist on Pop Airplay and a leading pop star of the 21st century. With over 117 million records sold globally, he is among the best-selling artists ever. His numerous accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, and nine Billboard Music Awards, along with honors like the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Contemporary Icon Award and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

2000: Spears' pregnancy and abortion

In late 2000, during their relationship, Britney Spears became pregnant and had an abortion after Justin Timberlake expressed he was not ready for parenthood.

2002: Public scrutiny of Timberlake's comments about Britney Spears

Following the release of Framing Britney Spears, public attention was brought to old comments Justin Timberlake made in 2002 about his relationship with Britney Spears, with some considering them misogynistic. This also led to renewed interest in his participation in the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy.

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2003: Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy

In 2003, public scrutiny arose regarding the Super Bowl XXXVIII incident, with allegations that Justin Timberlake originally planned to step on Janet Jackson's dress to reveal her butt but changed the plan to exposing her breast to "one-up" Britney Spears and Madonna's kiss at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

2016: Timberlake's voting booth selfie influences Tennessee legislation

In 2016, after Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth on Instagram gained national attention, Senator Brian Kelsey of Germantown, Tennessee introduced a bill allowing photos in voting poll stations, which was later approved by the Tennessee Senate.

2018: Contradictory statements about Super Bowl XXXVIII incident revealed in 2018

In 2018, a contradictory statement from Salli Frattini, the producer of the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, surfaced. She stated that the production team experimented with removing elements of clothing in rehearsal to reveal Janet Jackson's skirt without nudity, but that the idea was ultimately nixed. According to Frattini, it was Jackson's team who pitched the idea to Timberlake prior to the show that led to Jackson's breast being exposed.

2023: Spears' memoir revelation

In 2023, Britney Spears wrote in her memoir, "The Woman in Me" that she became pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake and had an abortion in late 2000 after Timberlake said they were not prepared for parenthood and he did not want to be a father.

The Woman in Me

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June 18, 2024: Arrest for DWI

Shortly after midnight on June 18, 2024, Justin Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, for driving while intoxicated (DWI). He was charged with one count of DWI and issued two citations for running a stop sign and failure to keep in lane. Timberlake was released nine hours later following his arraignment at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court.

June 21, 2024: Chicago Concert and Addressed Arrest

Despite the DWI arrest, Justin Timberlake continued to perform, including a concert in Chicago on June 21, 2024, where he appeared to address the arrest, stating "It's been a tough week - but you're here, and I'm here...I know sometimes I'm hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back."

June 22, 2024: Bartender Confirmation and Arrest Report Details

On June 22, 2024, hotel bartender employees confirmed Justin Timberlake only had one martini before his DWI arrest. However, the arrest report stated his eyes were bloodshot, breath smelled of alcohol, speech was slowed, he was unsteady, and performed poorly on sobriety tests. Timberlake said, "this is going to ruin the tour," spawning memes.

July 26, 2024: Scheduled Court Appearance

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to return to court on July 26, 2024, following his arrest for driving while intoxicated.

August 9, 2024: Scheduled Court Hearing

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to have another hearing on August 9, 2024, which he was not required to attend.

September 11, 2024: Plea Deal Revealed

On September 11, 2024, it was revealed that Justin Timberlake would plead guilty to a less serious traffic offense during his September 13 court appearance, with the DWI charge being dropped. Under the plea deal, Timberlake agreed to plead guilty to driving while impaired, a lesser offense.

September 13, 2024: Timberlake pleads guilty to driving while impaired

On September 13, 2024, Justin Timberlake pled guilty to a noncriminal driving while impaired traffic violation at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Courthouse. He was sentenced to a $500 fine, a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service, and was required to make a public safety announcement. His driver's license was also suspended due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer.