Gayle King is defending Justin Timberlake after his recent DWI arrest. In Wednesday’s episode of CBS Mornings, King discussed the singer’s drunk driving charge, emphasizing his generally responsible nature.
Justin Timberlake’s Character Defended
During the broadcast, the 69-year-old journalist spoke warmly of Timberlake. “Justin Timberlake is a really, really great guy,” King stated. “Listen, this is clearly a mistake — I bet nobody knows it more than he.”
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When co-anchor Nate Burleson mentioned that Timberlake’s actions were a “stupid mistake,” King agreed, highlighting that Timberlake is aware of his misstep. “He’s not an irresponsible person, he’s not reckless, he’s not careless,” she reiterated. “Clearly this is not a good thing but he knows that.”
King also appreciated Billy Joel’s reaction to the incident, recalling Joel’s advice to reserve judgment. “I loved when they stopped Billy Joel and he said, ‘Wait, not everybody judge at this particular time,’” she recounted.
The Incident Details
King acknowledged the severity of the allegations despite her defense of Timberlake. “Driving drunk, there is never any excuse for that ever,” she stated firmly. On June 18, Timberlake was arrested after being seen driving erratically in Sag Harbor. He refused a breathalyzer test and was cited for failure to maintain his lane and running a stop sign.
Timberlake was arraigned and released later that day, with a court date set for July 26. Police reports detailed the sequence of events: “On June 18, 2024, at 12:37 AM, Justin R. Timberlake, age 43, of Tennessee, was observed operating a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane of travel.” It continued, “A traffic stop was initiated by a Police Officer from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department and upon investigation it was determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition.”
Legal Response
Timberlake’s attorney, Edward Burke Jr., issued a statement on June 19: “Mr. Burke looks forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake against these allegations,” the statement read. “He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time. He is currently awaiting full discovery from the DA’s office.”
Gayle King’s defense of Justin Timberlake highlights the complexities of personal character versus public actions. While acknowledging his mistake, she emphasizes Timberlake’s generally responsible nature. The incident serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of waiting for full legal processes to unfold.