Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Justin Timberlake

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

Justin Timberlake, dubbed the "Prince of Pop", is a highly influential and commercially successful American singer, songwriter, actor, record producer, and dancer. With estimated sales of 88 million records worldwide, he ranks among the best-selling music artists of all time. He's a significant figure in popular music and entertainment.

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

2000: Britney Spears' abortion

In late 2000, Britney Spears had an abortion during her relationship with Justin Timberlake because he didn't want to be a father.

2002: Public scrutiny of relationship with Britney Spears

In 2002, following the release of Framing Britney Spears, public attention was brought to old comments Timberlake made to describe his relationship with Britney Spears following their breakup, with some considering them to contain misogynistic rhetoric.

2003: Spears and Madonna Kiss

A stylist alleged that the plan was originally for Timberlake to step on the back of Jackson's dress "to reveal her butt in this pearl g-string" but that he changed the plan to exposing her breast because he wanted a "reveal" to "one-up" Britney Spears' and Madonna's kiss at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy

In February 2004, during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show, Justin Timberlake performed with Janet Jackson, and the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" occurred.

2016: Voting booth selfie

In 2016, influenced by the national attention received by Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth shared on Instagram during the presidential election, Senator Brian Kelsey brought up a bill that would allow taking photos in voting poll stations.

2018: Salli Frattini Statement

In 2018, Salli Frattini, the producer of the Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime show, stated that the production team experimented with removing elements of clothing in rehearsal to reveal Jackson's skirt without nudity but that the idea was ultimately nixed.

2023: Spears' memoir release

In 2023, Britney Spears wrote in her memoir "The Woman in Me" about becoming pregnant during her relationship with Justin Timberlake. Spears 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: Arrested 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 also issued citations for running a stop sign and failure to keep in lane. He was released after his arraignment. The Sag Harbor Police Department released his mugshot.

June 21, 2024: Timberlake Addresses Arrest at Concert

On June 21, 2024, Justin Timberlake performed a concert in Chicago where he appeared to address his recent DWI arrest, saying "It's been a tough week", but expressing his gratitude for the continued support.

June 22, 2024: Details Emerge Regarding DWI Arrest

On June 22, 2024, bartender employees confirmed Justin Timberlake only had one martini at the hotel bar before his DWI arrest. However, the arrest report stated the officer noted Timberlake's bloodshot eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and poor performance on sobriety tests.

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.

August 9, 2024: Scheduled Court Hearing

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to have another hearing on August 9, 2024, but was not required to attend the hearing following his DWI arrest.

September 11, 2024: Plea Deal Revealed in DWI Case

On September 11, 2024, it was revealed that Justin Timberlake would plead guilty to a less serious traffic offense at his September 13 court appearance, with the DWI charge being dropped.

September 13, 2024: Pled guilty to driving while impaired

On September 13, 2024, Justin Timberlake pled guilty to a noncriminal driving while impaired traffic violation. He was sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service, and required to make a public safety announcement. His driver's license was also suspended.