Justin Timberlake thanks fans in Chicago after DWI arrest: ‘It’s been a tough week’

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2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival Photo Room-Day 2
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In his first performance since his recent DUI arrest in New York, Justin Timberlake expressed his gratitude for his fansโ€™ unwavering support. The pop superstar addressed the incident during his concert Friday night (Jun. 21, 2024) in Chicago.

โ€œWeโ€™ve been together through ups and downs, lefts and rights. Itโ€™s been a tough week, but youโ€™re here and Iโ€™m here, and nothing can change this moment right now,โ€ Timberlake emotionally shared with the audience.

He added, โ€œI know sometimes Iโ€™m hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back.โ€ Following his heartfelt words, Timberlake performed his hit song โ€œSelfish.โ€

The 43-year-old singer was arrested early Tuesday (Jun. 18, 2024) in Sag Harbor on New Yorkโ€™s Long Island. He was arraigned that morning and released without bail after being charged with one count of driving while intoxicated.

According to the police report, a Sag Harbor officer observed Timberlakeโ€™s gray 2025 BMW weaving out of its lane and running a stop sign. Upon pulling him over, the officer noted that Timberlake had โ€œbloodshot and glassyโ€ eyes, a โ€œstrong odorโ€ of alcohol on his breath, and was unsteady on his feet.

USA - *NSYNC Star Ceremony - Los Angeles
APR 30: Justin Timberlake at the *NSYNC Star Ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Carrie Nelson

The officer then asked the singer to complete a series of field sobriety tests, including walking in a straight line and standing on one leg, which Timberlake reportedly did โ€œpoorly.โ€

โ€œI had one martini and followed my friends home,โ€ Timberlake told the officer, according to the report. He refused three requests to take a Breathalyzer test.

The Brit Awards 2018
Justin Timberlake at The Brit Awards 2018 at the O2 Arena, Greenwich Peninsula, London on Wednesday February 21st 2018. Photo by: Keith Mayhew/Landmark Media

Timberlake is on his โ€œForget Tomorrowโ€ world tour, promoting his latest album, โ€œEverything I Thought It Was,โ€ released in March. Despite the recent turmoil, Timberlakeโ€™s performance in Chicago proved his resilience and dedication to his fans.