Somebody on the swanky Hamptons lodge the place Justin Timberlake was downing cocktails earlier than his DWI arrest known as cops as a result of they have been involved he would get behind the wheel, a neighborhood eatery proprietor says.
“[They] stated Justin was having a variety of drinks, they usually informed the cop to look at him if he’s going to drive,” stated the well-connected Southampton restaurateur, who didn’t need to be recognized, to The Submit on Sunday.
The native businessman didn’t specify whether or not the caller was an worker or patron of Sag Harbor’s American Resort, together with whether or not they have been from Timberlake’s personal get together, so as to protect their anonymity.
The 43-year-old celebrity singer ended up hopping in his grey 2025 BMW after the partying at Sag Harbor’s American Resort — and was promptly stopped by a younger cop who gave him a warning, pondering that may be sufficient to maintain him off the street, a neighborhood law-enforcement supply beforehand informed The Submit.
However a couple of minutes later, the identical cop noticed Timberlake nonetheless within the BMW’s driver’s seat, solely this time the singer had allegedly blown by a cease signal and was weaving out of his lane. He reeked of alcohol and had blood-shot eyes, miserably failed a number of roadside booze checks and was busted, cops stated.
Neither the American, Sag Harbor cops nor Timberlake’s lawyer or publicist immedately responded to Submit questions Sunday.
The restaurateur supply stated he believes that the “Cry Me a River” crooner was “mistreated” within the embarrassing incident, which made worldwide information.
“[He was] undoubtedly handled unfairly,” the supply stated.
“Everybody drives by that cease signal when nobody is there,” the supply claimed, noting that Timberlake, a 10-time Grammy winner and married dad of two younger boys, was a “Hamptons common” who has frequented his institutions “many instances” over time.
“He was all the time a gentleman,” the restaurateur stated of the star. “Individuals all the time acknowledge him, they usually ask him for an image, and he all the time says sure. He has the hat pulled down and the sun shades, so it’s onerous to acknowledge him, however some folks do.
“He’s not like Leonardo [DiCaprio]. Leo doesn’t wish to be acknowledged, and he’ll even curse. He doesn’t take footage, particularly if he’s with a bunch of fashions,” the supply stated.
The restaurant proprietor stated he additionally doesn’t purchase the extensively reported element that the younger officer who pulled Timberlake over, a Sag Harbor rookie cop named Michael Arkinson, didn’t acknowledge him.
“In the event you dwell in America, you already know who Justin Timberlake is,” the supply stated.
“The cop did his job, however he undoubtedly knew who Justin was.”
However one other native businessman, Mark Zucchero, 54, who owns Flying Level Surf and Sport, stated he believes Arkinson.
“[The cop is] undoubtedly not a foul man. He’s diligent, he does a superb job. He simply didn’t know who Justin Timberlake was! That’s all, fairly easy.”
Kirk Severance, 31, who manages the Emporium True Worth {Hardware} straight throughout the road from the American Resort, added, “The cops round listed below are fairly lenient and understanding.
“All good guys. A few of them are available right here. They’re actually laid again within the winter, however they will get a little bit stricter in the summertime with the crowds,” the native stated.
Two automobiles have been within the driveway at Arkinson’s Hamptons residence Sunday, and folks could possibly be seen inside, however no person got here to the door when The Submit sought remark. Later, cops exterior warned Submit staffers to remain away.
Timberlake claimed to arresting officers after he was pulled over that he solely had one drink, a martini. He nonetheless refused to take a Breathalyzer take a look at three separate instances, based on court docket paperwork.
The “Mickey Mouse Membership” alum made his first public assertion after his arrest on stage at Chicago’s United Heart on Friday night time.
“It’s been a tricky week,” the “SexyBack” singer informed the group.
“I do know I’m onerous to like generally, however you retain loving me proper again,” the previous NSYNC member continued from the stage, because the viewers showered him with cheers.
Timberlake continues his “Overlook Tomorrow” world tour June 25 with a two-night stand at Madison Sq. Backyard.
