Justin Timberlake sues to stop release of video showing his DWI arrest

Justin Timberlake sues to stop release of video showing his DWI arrest

Justin Timberlake has filed a lawsuit in Suffolk County Supreme Court to halt the public release of police body camera footage from his June 18, 2024, driving while intoxicated (DWI) arrest in Sag Harbor, Long Island. His legal team contends that the video breaches his privacy by exposing personal and confidential moments unrelated to the incident. They seek either a temporary ban on disclosure or a private review process to filter out information not required by New York’s Freedom of Information Law.

Multiple media outlets, including NBC News, had requested the bodycam video as part of public records inquiries. Timberlake’s attorneys argue that the footage contains details like his emotional state and interactions with bystanders that are not relevant to the enforcement of public interest. “The exposure of this video would lead to immediate and irreversible harm, including stigma and reputational damage,” they stated in court filings.

“The bodycam footage captures approximately eight (8) hours of continuous recording and encroaches upon areas of Petitioner’s life and emotional state that have no relevance at all to Petitioner’s arrest,” wrote Edward D. Burke Jr., one of Timberlake’s lawyers.

Suffolk County acting Supreme Court Justice Joseph Farneti paused a ruling to allow both parties to negotiate. Vincent Toomey, representing Sag Harbor Village, noted that the police department planned to release the video with privacy and investigatory redactions. Timberlake’s legal team, however, opposed this, seeking to block the release entirely.

In a letter to Sag Harbor’s police chief, Burke emphasized that the video also includes individuals in the vicinity of Timberlake who have their own privacy rights. “These bystanders retain legitimate privacy interests,” he stated. The mayor of Sag Harbor, Thomas Gardella, confirmed negotiations were ongoing and highlighted the village’s commitment to transparency.

Timberlake admitted to consuming one martini before driving and pleaded guilty to DWI on September 13, 2024. As part of the settlement, he agreed to 25 to 40 hours of community service and a fine. “This was a mistake I made, but I hope those watching can learn from it,” he remarked following his court appearance.

Joe Kottke, an assignment editor at NBC News, covers domestic news, while Dennis Romero serves as a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.