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 recognized as the "Prince of Pop" and one of the best-selling music artists. Billboard has lauded him as one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the Contemporary Icon Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and MTV's Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

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

2000: Pregnancy and Abortion during Timberlake-Spears Relationship

In late 2000, Britney Spears became pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake. She had an abortion after Timberlake said they were not ready for parenthood and he did not want to be a father. As detailed in her 2023 memoir, 'The Woman in Me'

2002: Public scrutiny over past comments and apology

In 2002, after the release of Framing Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake faced public scrutiny regarding old comments he made describing his relationship with Britney Spears following their breakup, leading to accusations of misogynistic rhetoric and renewed attention to the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy. Timberlake later issued a public apology on his Instagram page, acknowledging his benefit from a system condoning misogyny and racism, vowing to do better.

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy

In February 2004, Justin Timberlake performed with Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. During the performance, Timberlake tore off part of Jackson's costume, resulting in a "wardrobe malfunction" that exposed Jackson's breast to a television audience of over 140 million viewers. Timberlake later apologized for the incident.

2016: Selfie Inside Voting Booth Sparks Tennessee Bill

In 2016, Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth during the presidential election, initially an illegal act, led to Senator Brian Kelsey proposing a bill in Tennessee to allow photos in voting poll stations, which was later approved.

2023: Spears' Memoir Details Relationship

In her 2023 memoir, "The Woman in Me", Britney Spears wrote about her relationship with Justin Timberlake, including a pregnancy and abortion in 2000.

The Woman in Me

Check it on Amazon

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. He was released nine hours later following his first arraignment.

June 21, 2024: Timberlake addresses arrest at Chicago concert

On June 21, 2024, at a concert in Chicago, Justin Timberlake addressed his recent arrest, acknowledging the challenges he faced and expressing gratitude for the continued support from his fans.

June 22, 2024: Hotel Bartender Testimony

On June 22, 2024, bartender employees at the hotel where Justin Timberlake was staying before his DWI arrest confirmed that he only had one martini while at the hotel bar. However, the arresting officer's report indicated signs of intoxication.

July 26, 2024: Scheduled Court Return

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to return to court on July 26, 2024, following his arrest for driving while intoxicated on June 18, 2024.

2024: Timberlake's 2024 DWI arrest

In 2024 Justin Timberlake had a DWI arrest

March 2026: Release of body camera footage

In March 2026 the Sag Harbor Police Department released the body camera footage from Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest. The reported exchange between Timberlake and the arresting officer during the stop was not on the released footage.