Justin Timberlake DWI Bodycam Footage Released After Lawsuit Settlement

Bodycam Footage Released in Justin Timberlake DWI Case

Bodycam footage from the 2024 arrest of Justin Timberlake on a driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge has been released following a settlement with the Sag Harbor Police Department. The release comes after Timberlake sued to prevent the footage from becoming public, citing concerns about his personal and professional reputation. The footage shows Timberlake struggling with sobriety tests administered by officers after being stopped for allegedly driving through a stop sign and swerving.

The Arrest and Initial Charges

The incident occurred on June 18, 2024, in Sag Harbor, New York. Timberlake was initially charged with one count of driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor offense. According to reports, officers observed him driving through a stop sign and failing to maintain his lane. In the released bodycam footage, Timberlake is seen telling officers he was simply following friends home and had only consumed one martini. He expressed nervousness during the field sobriety tests, stating, “Sorry, I’m a little nervous,” and later, “These are like, really hard tests.”

Legal Battles and Settlement

Timberlake’s legal team actively fought the release of the bodycam footage, arguing it would cause “severe and irreparable harm” and subject him to public ridicule. They filed a lawsuit seeking to block its release in response to public records requests from multiple news outlets. Although, a settlement was reached with Sag Harbor officials, allowing for the release of a redacted version of the footage. Timberlake’s lawyers stated the edited footage did not constitute “an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.” The footage was released on March 20, 2026, by The Sag Harbor Express.

The Plea Deal and Sentencing

Following his arrest, Timberlake ultimately reached a plea deal with prosecutors. The initial DWI charge was reduced to a driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge and received a sentence of a $500 fine, plus a $260 surcharge, and 25 hours of community service at a non-profit organization of his choosing. Timberlake publicly urged fans to reconsider driving under the influence of alcohol after entering his plea.

What the Footage Shows

The released bodycam footage depicts Timberlake undergoing field sobriety tests administered by Sag Harbor police officers. He is observed struggling to maintain balance while walking a straight line and exhibits difficulty with a test requiring him to lift his foot and count. Throughout the interaction, Timberlake repeatedly states he is simply following friends home. The video largely corroborates the initial police account of the events, which described Timberlake running a stop sign and driving erratically.

Background: DWI Laws in New York State

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in New York State is defined as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) is a lesser charge, typically applied when a driver’s BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07%, or when their ability to operate a vehicle is demonstrably impaired by alcohol or drugs, even if their BAC is below the legal limit. Penalties for DWI are significantly more severe than those for DWAI, often including jail time, substantial fines, and license suspension. The reduction in Timberlake’s charge to DWAI resulted in a less stringent penalty.

Timberlake’s Recent Activity

The arrest occurred during a period of professional activity for Timberlake. In March 2024, he released his sixth studio album, ‘Everything I Thought It Was’. Last summer, Timberlake revealed he had been diagnosed with Lyme disease. He returned to the stage for his first performance since disclosing his diagnosis in February 2026.

You can view the released bodycam footage here.