Nationwide — Justin Timberlake joked about being white and called police officers “wild” in newly released footage from his June 2024 DWI arrest in New York. The video showing the singer’s arrest was recently released despite efforts by his legal team to keep it private.
In the footage, Timberlake, 45, explains he had been on a world tour while being booked after leaving a Long Island hotel and restaurant. When officers asked him to review paperwork, he jokingly questioned why his race was listed as white, then laughed it off, saying, “I’m just kidding, man.”
While in a holding cell, Timberlake asked whether he would have to stay overnight and told officers they were “wild.” He also expressed frustration with his treatment, saying, “You boys [are] treating me like I’m a criminal,” and declined to take a post-arrest chemical test.
According to People, the singer addressed the traffic violations that led to the arrest, which included failing to stop at a stop sign and veering out of his lane. He admitted to having “one martini” and said he had been following friends in a rental car, adding, “I appreciate you boys for doing your job.”
Timberlake’s legal team had previously sought to block the video’s release, claiming it would damage his reputation and offer no public benefit. Suffolk County authorities released the bodycam footage anyway, showing the pop star’s candid and humorous demeanor throughout the arrest.