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 known as the "Prince of Pop." He's recognized by Billboard as a top male solo artist and one of the 21st century's greatest pop stars. He is among the best-selling recording artists of all time, with over 117 million records sold. His accolades include ten Grammy Awards, four Primetime Emmy Awards, three Brit Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, the 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: Pregnancy with Britney Spears

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

2002: Misogynistic Rhetoric Allegations

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

February 2004: Super Bowl XXXVIII Halftime Show Controversy

In February 2004, Justin Timberlake performed with Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. The performance ended with Timberlake tearing off part of Jackson's costume, leading to a "wardrobe malfunction" that caused significant controversy.

2012: End of Involvement with Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

In 2012, Justin Timberlake's involvement with the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open came to an end, as reported by the event's chair.

2016: Voting Booth Selfie Controversy

In 2016, Justin Timberlake's selfie inside a voting booth shared on Instagram sparked controversy, leading to a bill in Tennessee allowing photos in voting poll stations with exceptions.

2018: Statement From Salli Frattini

In 2018, Salli Frattini, the producer of the 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 Published

In 2023, Britney Spears published her memoir, The Woman in Me, revealing information about her past relationship with Justin Timberlake including the fact she became pregnant during their relationship and had an abortion in late 2000.

The Woman in Me

Check it on Amazon

June 18, 2024: Arrest for DWI in Sag Harbor, NY

Shortly after midnight on June 18, 2024, Justin Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York, for driving while intoxicated (DWI), running a stop sign, and failure to keep in lane. He was released nine hours later after arraignment and refused a breathalyzer, claiming he only had one martini.

June 21, 2024: Timberlake addresses DWI arrest at a concert

On June 21, 2024, despite his DWI arrest, Justin Timberlake continued to perform concerts, including one in Chicago, where he appeared to address the arrest, saying "We've been through ups and downs and lefts and rights... 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: Details Emerge Regarding DWI Arrest

On June 22, 2024, it was reported that Justin Timberlake's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of alcohol was emanating from his breath, and he performed poorly on field sobriety tests during his June 18th DWI arrest. He also reportedly said, "this is going to ruin the tour," which spawned memes.

July 26, 2024: Scheduled Court Appearance

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to return to court on July 26, 2024 regarding his DWI arrest.

August 9, 2024: Scheduled Court Hearing

Justin Timberlake was scheduled to have another court hearing on August 9, 2024 regarding his DWI arrest.

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.

September 13, 2024: Timberlake Pled 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 automatically suspended due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer.