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Justin Timberlake Sues Sag Harbor Village to Block Release of DWI Arrest Video
Petition claims eight hours of footage would be an “unwarranted invasion of privacy,” according to court documents
Justin Timberlake has filed a petition in New York State Supreme Court to stop the Village of Sag Harbor from releasing body-camera footage of his June 18, 2024, arrest for driving while intoxicated, according to court documents. His attorneys, Edward J. Burke, Jr. and Michael del Piano, say the video, reportedly eight hours long, would constitute an “unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”
The petition, filed Monday against the Sag Harbor Village Police Department, Police Chief Robert Drake, and the Village of Sag Harbor, responds to Freedom of Information Law requests from media organizations seeking the footage, according to court documents.
“Public dissemination of this footage would cause severe and irreparable harm to Petitioner’s personal and professional reputation, subject Petitioner to public ridicule and harassment, and serve no legitimate public interest,” the petition states.
Stop-and-Arrest Details
According to court documents, Timberlake, 43, was stopped in the early morning while driving a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a stop sign and maintain his lane. Officers recorded the entire encounter on body-worn cameras, including field sobriety tests, his arrest, and overnight confinement.
Timberlake entered a plea deal in September 2024, pleading guilty to the infraction of driving while ability impaired. He completed 25 hours of community service and agreed to make a public safety announcement about impaired driving.
Timberlake Speaks Out
During court proceedings, Timberlake expressed remorse. “Even if you have one drink, don’t get behind the wheel,” he said, encouraging taxis, rideshares, or calling a friend. He acknowledged the strain his actions placed on the community and said he hopes others can learn from his mistake.
Legal Arguments to Block Release
The petition argues that releasing the footage would show Timberlake in a vulnerable state, including “intimate details of petitioner’s physical appearance, demeanor, speech, and conduct,” and would serve no public purpose, according to court documents. Attorneys filed an Article 78 proceeding to block the release while the court reviews the matter.
Timberlake’s attorney Edward Burke Jr. emphasized that the pop star was cooperative and respectful throughout the encounter. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Timberlake received the same treatment as any defendant and praised his willingness to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
Court Review Underway
The court has temporarily stayed the release of the footage pending review.
Timberlake’s petition highlights the tension between privacy and public access and sets the stage for a closely watched legal showdown over celebrity rights and public transparency — legalese for “don’t expect Timberlake to be hanging on the porch of The American Hotel this summer.”
