- Justin Timberlake was arrested on Tuesday and charged with DUI.
- Other celebrities, including Gayle King and Billy Joel, have publicly defended Timberlake.
- According to People magazine, his wife, Jessica Biel, is “not happy” but offers her support.
Justin Timberlake has been in the headlines this week following his arrest in Sag Harbor, New York.
Timberlake, who is currently on a world tour in support of his latest album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” was arrested just after midnight on June 18. He was charged with drunk driving but was released without bail.
According to a police report filed by Officer Michael Arkinson, Timberlake’s eyes were “bloodshot and hollow” when he was pulled over and there was a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath.
Officer Arkinson reported that Timberlake said he had “one martini” before getting behind the wheel.
The pop star’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., said in a statement shared with TMZ that he is prepared to “vigorously” defend Timberlake.
In fact, despite the memes and jokes that make fun of Timberlake, Burke Jr. isn’t alone.
Speaking to reporters dining at the American Hotel, where Timberlake had reportedly been partying before his arrest, Hamptons resident Billy Joel advised caution in reacting to the news.
“Don’t judge, or you will be judged,” Joel told PIX11 News on Tuesday.
Gayle King also spoke of the incident on “CBS Mornings” Wednesday, striking a forgiving tone.
“Justin Timberlake is such an incredible person,” she told People magazine. “Look, this is just plain wrong, and I don’t think anybody knows that more than he does.”
“He’s not an irresponsible person, he’s not a reckless person, he’s not a careless person,” she continued.
King also called Timberlake’s actions “alleged,” but added that there is “no excuse” for drinking and driving.
Timberlake’s wife, Jessica Biel, has not publicly commented, but a source told People magazine that Biel is “not happy” but is ready to support Timberlake and “will always be there for him.”
“She doesn’t like attention being drawn to her family, especially negative attention,” the source said, adding that the arrest was a “distraction” for Biel.
“He’s a great father and husband,” they added of Timberlake, who has two sons, Silas and Finneas, with Biel.
Timberlake’s court date is set for July 26th, when he’ll perform the second of two shows at Madison Square Garden, and then later this week in Chicago. Timberlake has yet to announce any changes to his tour.
A representative for Timberlake did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
