Author: lehang1

Don’t expect to see Justin Timberlake scooping up trash along the Long Island Expressway any time soon.

Instead, the pop icon will be performing his 25 hours of court-ordered community service within the confines of the cozy court system itself after taking a plea deal in his Hamptons drunk-driving arrest Friday, The Post has learned.

But a source close to the singer’s defense team said forget about the “Suit and Tie” star cleaning courthouse toilets or mopping jury room floors.

Justin Timberlake accepted a plea deal on Friday.Brigitte Stelzer
“He would be doing stuff like sorting documents [for the court clerk], organizing files,” said the source.

Timberlake, 43, even has final say over where he’ll do his hours, the source said — noting it would likely be in New York, California or his home state of Tennessee.

The “SexyBack” crooner was eager to strike a deal, the source added, ahead of his upcoming Canadian tour dates next month.

“With a felony conviction on his record, Canada wouldn’t have let him in,” the source explained. “He wouldn’t be allowed into a lot of other countries, too, but he makes big money in Canada.”

Prosecutors had little evidence to prove their case, which a source described as “weak.”Brigitte Stelzer
Calling it “a weak case,” the source said local prosecutors were also interested in pursuing a plea.

“There was no blood evidence, and he refused the Breathalyzer,” said the source.

The prosecution didn’t want to rely on “observational testimony” from “a rookie cop who didn’t even know who the guy was,” the source insisted.

Timberlake at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court at 55 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY.Brigitte Stelzer
Timberlake appeared in Sag Harbor Village Court Friday, and pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while alcohol impaired instead of the more serious charge of driving while intoxicated, a felony.

He was also ordered to pay a small fine and author a public service announcement.

Timberlake’s 2025 BMW was pulled over in the early hours of June 18 after Sag Harbor police alleged he blew a stop sign and was swerving out of his lane. He then refused three times to take a breathalyzer test, police allege.

Timberlake addressed a crush of media following Friday’s court appearance.Brigitte Stelzer

Justin Timberlake and his Lawyer Ed Burke jr. at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court at 55 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY.Brigitte Stelzer
On the night of his arrest, Timberlake was warned earlier not to drive by the officer who later stopped him, The Post previously reported.

Timberlake told the arresting officer he’d had one martini at the American Hotel before heading for his car. The bartender working that night corroborated the singer’s claim to investigators, the source said.

The singer also famously told the cop that the incident would “ruin the tour.”

Timberlake’s lawyer couldn’t be reached for comment. Prosecutors were also unavailable.

Timberlake has had issues with alcohol for years, sources had told Page Six, and that he’s largely enabled by the people surrounding him.

Timberlake smiles after entering court Friday.T E MCMORROW/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
“It’s a real thing, and when you have a drinking problem, it’s apparent, yet they’ve pushed this tour on him, and he’s been in a very dark place,” the source said.

Swift left Arrowhead Stadium hand-in-hand with Kelce after his game against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Sept. 5

Taylor Swift and Chariah Gordon (left); Travis Kelce (right). Photo: Chariah Gordon/Instagram; Kevin Sabitus/Getty

Taylor Swift is in a celebratory mood!

The pop star, 34, appeared to be in high spirits after watching her boyfriend Travis Kelce and his team the Kansas City Chiefs win their season-opener on Thursday, Sept. 5.

In a Instagram Story video reposted on X (formerly known as Twitter) the “August” singer was seen talking about the game to Chariah Gordon, the fiancée of Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr.

In the footage, Swift can be seen asking Gordon, “How are you feeling after this victory?” following the Chiefs’ 27-20 win at Arrowhead Stadium.

“I am feeling great after this victory, how are you feeling, sissy pop?” Gordon said.

“I’m feeling fantastic!” Swift replied, prompting Gordon to start cheering and dancing on camera. Swift could then be seen joining her and jumping up and down excitedly in the background.

Taylor Swift looks on from the upper level during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs.Cooper Neill/Getty

Swift was videoed arriving at Arrowhead Stadium on a golf cart and greeted fans as she made her way to the game, where she supported her boyfriend alongside his dad Ed Kelce and mom Donna Kelce.

Swift and Ed were seen laughing during NBC’s broadcast as Travis warmed up on the field below, while the singer was also shown giving a thumbs-up to nearby fans,

Swift and her boyfriend were later photographed leaving the Missouri stadium holding hands, with the singer wearing a game day look of a corseted denim Versace crop top, jean shorts and red thigh-high Giuseppe Zanotti boots.

Travis Kelce celebrates with Taylor Swift after a 17-10 victory against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.Patrick Smith/Getty

Swift is on a break following the conclusion of the European leg of her Eras Tour in mid-August, after playing a second set of shows at Wembley Stadium in London. Her tour is scheduled to pick back up mid-October in Miami.

The Chief tight end previously supported the singer on tour, making an appearance at several of her concerts over the past few months. He even joined her onstage during her June 23 show at London’s Wembley Stadium.

It appears that she’s just as supportive of his career, as he recently shared on the Rich Eisen Show that the musician “creates plays for me,” adding, “We’ll see if they can make it to Coach [Andy] Reid’s office.”

“She had just been so open to learning the game, she didn’t know much about the rules or anything … I think she was just curious about the profession,” he continued. “I know none of the plays have gotten to Coach Reid yet, but if they ever do I’ll make sure everyone knows it was her creation.”

Justice Carl Irace told Timberlake’s lawyer to “be more mindful when giving comments” when the pop star appeared virtually in court on Aug. 2.

Justin Timberlake in New York City in January 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images

A judge admonished Justin Timberlake’s attorney for his previous statements to the media during the pop star’s virtual court appearance on Friday.

The “Selfish” singer, 43, appeared in court virtually from Antwerp, Belgium on Friday, Aug, 2, and pleaded not guilty to a revised misdemeanor charge of driving drunk following his June DWI arrest, PEOPLE confirmed.

During the proceedings — which resulted in Timberlake’s driving privileges in New York being revoked —  Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace warned the “No Angels” singer’s lawyer Edward Burke Jr. against continuing to speak to the press at length.

Irace told Burke to “be more mindful when giving comments” to the media and added that he finds the statements Burke has been giving “come off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins.”

The judge warned that if Burke continues to make such comments, Irace will implement a gag order on the case and require Timberlake to appear in court in person, although the pop star is currently on the European leg of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

Justin Timberlake.Andrew H Walker/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Also during the hearing, Burke also withdrew the motion he put forth last week to dismiss the case.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 9, followed by a tentative court date of Sept. 13 depending on next week’s proceedings.

Timberlake’s one-count DWI charge also included a citation for running a stop sign and a citation for failing to keep in lane.

During Timberlake’s last court hearing on Friday, July 26, Burke said Timberlake was “not intoxicated” when he was arrested in Sag Harbor, N.Y. on June 18.

“I’ll say it again. Justin Timberlake was not intoxicated. And we are very confident that charge — that criminal charge — will be dismissed,” he said, per WABC.

“The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI,” Burke shared in a statement with PEOPLE following the July 26 appearance.

Justin Timberlake in February 2020.Jens Kalaene/picture alliance via Getty

“The police made a number of very significant errors in this case. In court today, you heard the district attorney try to fix one of those errors. But that’s just one and there are many others. Sometimes the police make mistakes and this is just one of those instances.”

“Justin respects law enforcement and the very important job that they do. He cooperated with the police officers at all times and treated them with the respect they deserve. He also respects the entire judicial process including the District Attorney and Judge who were in court today. But the fact remains, he was not intoxicated and they made an error in arresting him for it. We are confident that this charge will be dismissed,” Burke added at the time.

Sag Harbor Police told PEOPLE in June that on the night of his arrest, the pop star allegedly failed “to stop at a duly posted stop sign” and “maintain” his vehicle’s “lane of travel” while driving a 2025 BMW.

Timberlake was held overnight and arraigned at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court before being “released on his own recognizance,” authorities said in June.

 

While Anna Delvey is extending her 15 minutes of fame with a stunt casting on Dancing with the Stars, not everyone at ABC is welcoming the fake heiress with open arms. The ladies of The View were less than pleased that Delvey is joining the show, especially since she’ll be competing with a sparkly special accessory: her ICE-issued ankle bracelet (bedazzled, because what did you expect).

Whoopi Goldberg was first to express her dismay, referencing Delvey’s ongoing deportation case and the border crisis that’s become an even bigger and louder issue as election day creeps closer.

“I think back to all the families who’ve had family members arrested by ICE who have gone to the courts to get their dad or their brother or their mother back. This woman, they gave her permission to go do this,” Goldberg said, before asking, “Now, should I think there’s a reason, is there a two-tiered system here with ICE?”

Although Delvey is perhaps best known for her scammer stunts — which earned her a New York Magazine feature and later, her own Shonda Rhimes series titled Inventing Anna — she’s also landed in hot water with immigration authorities for violating the terms of her visa. As a result, Delvey has been living under house arrest in New York, but told People that she was given permission by ICE to compete on DWTS.

Delvey also brushed off any blowback to her casting while speaking with People, offering the glib defense, “It’s just not that serious. If someone is that upset about casting on a dancing show, I don’t know what to tell them.”

Sunny Hostin, though, does think it’s just that serious. She said on today’s episode, “If you think about it, [Delvey] defrauded so many people and then spent about two years in prison, and then had to spend another 18 months in prison for overstaying her welcome and overstaying her visa, so she committed another crime. And what is the, I don’t know, consequence of it? A bejeweled ankle monitor, a federal bejeweled ankle monitor and a spot on a television show.”

As Sara Haines made the obligatory Donald Trump remark, quipping, “We have a felon running for president. Why are we surprised?” Hostin replied, “I like a come-up, but when are there consequences to peoples’ actions in this country?”

When it was Goldberg’s turn to speak again, she said she was puzzled that Delvey got to stay in the country while so many others are deported. Joy Behar, blunt as ever, told her, “Because she’s pretty, that’s why.”

Photo: ABC

But Goldberg wasn’t going to leave it at that.

“Well that’s a little bit of a piss-off!” she exclaimed. “I have to tell you, and you know, I like pretty people too. But I gotta say, I’m listening to people bitch about what’s going on at the border, and I listen to people bitch about all these people who shouldn’t be here. Well what the hell, man! How does this work?

“And we gotta support the network, I get all of that,” she continued, referring to The View and DWTS‘s shared home at ABC. She then slammed the casting as disrespectful to “a lot of people who’ve been trying to make their way back to this country, and families torn apart.”

He’s bringing sorry back.

Justin Timberlake issued a groveling, court-ordered apology Friday for getting behind the wheel after downing drinks in the Hamptons.

“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” said the former boy band heartthrob — who was ordered to deliver the public statement as part of a plea deal to a lesser violation in the case.

Singer Justin Timberlake, speaks at a press conference after his sentencing for DUI in Sag Harbor.Gregory P. Mango

Timberlake continues to speak to the press after a court hearing, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Sag Harbor, N.Y.Brigitte Stelzer

“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” the pop star said.Brigitte Stelzer
“Even one drink — don’t get behind the wheel of the car.”

The “SexyBack” singer talked after pleading guilty in a Sag Harbor courtroom Friday to driving while alcohol impaired, which was a  lesser charge than the DWI count he faced.

The deal with prosecutors orignially only involved him making his public apology, but Justice Carl Irace said that was not enough and decided on his own to also sentence Timberlake to 25 to 40 hours of community service.

Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving while alcohol-impaired.Brigitte Stelzer
While its not clear when the work sentence will begin, the former NSYNC star delivered comments outside the courthouse after the hearing.

During the three-minute address to the media, Timberlake admitted that while “I try to hold myself to a very high standard — this was not that.”

The singer, wearing a dark grey cardigan, khaki colored-pants and a double strand pearl necklace, said he “could have made a different decision” and added that since the incident he’s “had some time to reflect on that.”

Timberlake then emphasized a second time, that no one should drive even after having just one drink, urging people to look for any other transportation option after imbibing.

“There’s so many alternatives,” he said. “Call a friend, take an Uber. There are so many travel apps. Take a taxi.”

“I guess in closing, I’d like to say we could all be more safe out there,” Timberlake added. “I’m going to do my part. I hope that everyone else does their part. Thank you.”

In what can only be described as a seismic shift in the world of pop culture and product placements, Taylor Swift, America’s sweetheart-turned-political commentator, has reportedly lost brand deals worth a staggering $125 million. The reason? Her latest “big endorsement,” which seemed to hit all the wrong notes with some of her biggest sponsors.

The pop icon, known for turning heartache into chart-topping hits and leaving a trail of ex-boyfriends in her lyrics, has now left something else in her wake: a bunch of executives scrambling to cut ties with her brand. It turns out that Swift’s political opinions—despite her knack for turning breakups into ballads—don’t have the same appeal when it comes to selling lipstick and luxury cars.

It all started when Taylor Swift, who has been increasingly vocal about her political views, decided to go all-in on a major endorsement during her latest Instagram live session. After months of hinting at her political leanings and subtly weaving her opinions into her songs, Swift made it official: she threw her full-throated support behind a controversial political figure.

Was it a presidential candidate? A new movement? A cause everyone can get behind? No. In a twist that no one saw coming, Swift endorsed…a vegan cryptocurrency backed by none other than Elon Musk’s second cousin.

Her exact words? “This crypto is the future, and honestly, we need to save the planet—and our portfolios.”

Now, Swifties, her famously devoted fanbase, are used to their queen taking bold stances, but no one expected this. The fallout was swift (pun intended), and not just from fans. Big brands that had signed lucrative deals with the pop star suddenly had second thoughts. After all, a vegan cryptocurrency? Backed by Musk’s cousin? It was just too weird, even for Swift.

Before this moment, Taylor Swift was the golden child of advertising. Her face could sell anything: perfume, sneakers, soft drinks, insurance—you name it. In fact, she’d even managed to make cat food look glamorous in her partnership with Meow Mix. If Taylor endorsed it, it was guaranteed to fly off the shelves. But not this time.

Swift’s big endorsement, which she assumed would be a hit with her environmentally conscious, forward-thinking fanbase, backfired in ways no one could have predicted. Within days of the announcement, some of the biggest brands in the world were backing away from their multi-million-dollar contracts with the star, hoping to avoid the PR mess Swift had inadvertently created.

“Taylor Swift was the perfect fit for our brand,” said a spokesperson from a well-known luxury car company that has chosen to remain anonymous. “But associating our high-end, gas-guzzling vehicles with vegan cryptocurrency? That’s a no from us.”

Cosmetics giant CoverGirl, another major brand tied to Swift, also dropped her like a bad habit. “Taylor’s influence is undeniable,” a company insider revealed. “But after the endorsement, we had to reassess. We sell lipstick, not digital currency that smells like kale.”

Even Diet Coke, the soda that had been practically synonymous with Taylor’s concerts and tours, suddenly seemed too nervous to maintain the association. “We love Taylor, but this…crypto thing? Yeah, we’re going to pass,” a company spokesperson said while nervously eyeing the endorsement fallout.

It didn’t take long for the total damage to be tallied. Brand deal after brand deal evaporated, and when the dust finally settled, Taylor Swift had lost a jaw-dropping $125 million in endorsements.

The numbers are shocking, even for someone of Swift’s stature. But more shocking still is how fast it all unraveled. In a matter of days, she went from the pop star who could do no wrong to the cautionary tale of how even the most famous endorsements can go horribly, horribly wrong.

Her $30 million deal with a high-end jewelry brand? Gone. Her $20 million sneaker collaboration? Poof. Even her planned line of eco-friendly handbags was axed before it hit the shelves, with one brand exec explaining, “We wanted eco-friendly, but we didn’t want that kind of eco.”

But perhaps the most baffling aspect of the entire debacle has been the reaction from Taylor’s own fanbase. The Swifties, who normally rally behind their idol like knights defending a pop kingdom, were visibly divided over this bizarre endorsement.

On Twitter, the reactions ranged from disbelief to outright confusion. “I loved her music, but now I have to ask: Is Taylor okay? What even is vegan crypto?” tweeted one fan. Another commented, “I was with her through ‘1989’ and ‘Reputation,’ but this…this I can’t follow.”

Meanwhile, some loyal Swifties tried to defend their queen, albeit with less enthusiasm than usual. “I mean, it’s…cool that she’s thinking about the environment? I think? I’m not really sure what’s happening,” wrote one fan in a Reddit thread that quickly spiraled into chaos.

So, how has Taylor responded to all this? Has she issued a formal apology or tried to distance herself from the fiasco? Not quite. In true Taylor Swift fashion, she’s leaning into it.

In a statement released on her Instagram Stories, Swift said, “I know my fans may not understand my decision, but I’ve always been about bold moves. This is just another bold step in my journey to make the world—and the financial market—a better place.”

She went on to defend her decision, claiming that “this cryptocurrency will help fund sustainable projects and save the planet. I believe in it, and I think others will, too.” And while some fans are still scratching their heads, others are wondering if this is just another step in Taylor’s ongoing evolution from country star to pop icon to…cryptocurrency influencer?

As the dust begins to settle on what may be the most bizarre chapter in Taylor Swift’s career, one question remains: Can she bounce back from this?

If history is any indication, the answer is probably yes. After all, Swift has weathered everything from public breakups to celebrity feuds, and each time she’s come back stronger than ever. But this time, the stakes are different. She’s not just dealing with bad press—she’s dealing with brands, billions, and a fanbase that might be starting to wonder if they know the real Taylor at all.

So what’s next for the pop star-turned-cryptocurrency enthusiast? Will she release a new album chronicling her heartbreak over lost endorsements? Will she double down on her crypto love and take it global? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Taylor Swift never does anything halfway, and this latest saga is no exception.

Maybe, just maybe, her next single will be titled “Crypto Heartbreak.”

Just ask the hosts of ‘The View.’ It’s Usher’s eyes, smile, and swagger.

Source: Josh Brasted / Getty

Usher made headlines this week for exactly what we’d expect: making the girlies hearts melt. During an appearance on The View, the “My Way” singer charmed not only the audience but also the entire panel of hosts.

In a segment that has since gone viral, Usher gave the ladies a little more than they bargained for when asked about the right way to treat a woman. Effortlessly blending his smooth charisma and smile with his intense gaze and good looks, Usher had them all gushing.

The A-town heartthrob was on the daytime show to promote his highly-anticipated music film set to be released this weekend. He also chatted about politics and concerts in Brooklyn.

But his spontaneous “wooing” session stole the show (and the hearts of The View hosts). If we’re honest, though, can we really blame them?

Usher On ‘The View’ Is The Definition Of ‘The Art Of Seduction’

When asked about “the secret to the art of seduction,” Usher didn’t just explain—he demonstrated. Whew, did he demonstrate!

Locking eyes with each female host, Usher put his signature charm on full display. It wasn’t just words but how he connected words and actions, showing the two go hand in hand.

Besides that, Usher is just fine.

“The art of seduction is catering to your woman,” the singer said. “You have to understand that she wants undivided attention.”

The View’s Sunny Hostin agreed. “She sure does,” she said emphatically, smiling on stage.

“You have to look in her eyes and let her know how you really feel,” Usher continued. (This time, Joy Behar was receiving the benefit of the singer’s gaze.)

Usher’s flirtatious yet respectful gaze sent the hosts into a fluster, proving why he remains on the top of many fans’ Zaddy list. The clip has since taken the internet by storm, with fans and viewers captivated and smiling.

More than 10,000 fans of The View have liked the post, and more than 300 have commented. “I’m grinning and blushing just watching this. Usher knows he’s got that thang!🥰,” wrote one fan. “The entire team was ready to risk it all 🥰😂,” joked another.

The viral moment is a welcome reminder of Usher’s legendary Las Vegas residency. The singer had crowds of thousands – including celebrities like Keke Palmer, Issa Rae, and Marlo Hampton – swooning night after night.

Whatever it is, Usher just has a unique ability to entice, captivate, and excite. Whether performing in front of sold-out arenas or sitting down for a daytime talk show, Usher proves that he’s the undisputed king of everything smooth.

During the broadcast, Scott Van Pelt told viewers that Kelce was “wearing a shirt he got at the mall because he left his travel bag in the truck”

Taylor Swift; Jason Kelce on ‘Monday Night Football’. Photo: James Devaney/GC Images; Thearon W. Henderson/Getty

Taylor Swift was very amused by Jason Kelce’s recent Monday Night Football antics!

Travis Kelce revealed on the latest episode of his and Jason’s New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce podcast that both he and his girlfriend, 34, had quite the reaction to finding out that the former Philadelphia Eagles center, 36, bought a shirt that was too small at the mall right before his Monday Night Football debut.

As the San Francisco 49ers were preparing to take on the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on the broadcast, Scott Van Pelt told viewers on Monday, Sept. 9 that Jason was “wearing a shirt he got at the mall because he left his travel bag in the truck.”

This prompted the former NFL player to respond, “It fits my belly now. I’ve lost a little bit of weight, but my tits are still struggling.”

On New Heights in an episode released Wednesday, Sept. 11, Travis, 34, recalled, “And, me and Taylor were watching that absolutely dying laughing at it. It was the perfect thing to open everybody up to what they were gonna experience for the next 18 weeks.”

Jason Kelce on ‘Monday Night Football’.ESPN/X

ESPN shared the clip of Jason and Van Pelt’s exchange on Instagram following the broadcast, inviting fans of the retired Eagles player to join in on the joke — something which the Kansas City Chiefs player was only happy to do.

“Surprised he even bought a new one, and didn’t just go shirtless,” Travis commented on the post, referring to Jason cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs shirtless during a playoff game in January.

He noted his comment on the recent podcast, to which Jason replied, “I mean, Pat McAfee’s done a couple of these things shirtless. I think. [It] feels like anything goes now in the world of broadcasting.”

The retired NFL player went on to admit that he was “very nervous” for his broadcast debut. “It’s like anything you do your first time. I did not feel prepared. I felt very nervous. I didn’t know what to expect.”

“And then you realize that you were prepared, that ESPN did a great job of setting everything up, and that you’re on set, thankfully, for me with three other guys that have done it a bunch,” he added.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty

It’s no surprise that Swift was tuning in for Jason/’s debut, as he has also shown his support for the pop superstar and her relationship with his brother in the past. Over the summer, he and wife Kylie Kelce even attended a couple of the singer’s Eras Tour concerts at London’s Wembley Stadium.

Ice Spice, Jason Kelce and Taylor Swift watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers in February 2024.Ezra Shaw/Getty

He was videoed excitedly showing off several friendship bracelets during one of the shows and he has been vocal about which of the Grammy winner’s songs he’s been listening to the most, which included “I Can Do It with a Broken Heart.”

“There’s a line in that where ‘I’m a real tough kid. I can handle my s—,’ ” he shared on the Pivot Podcast. “[My daughter] Ellie’s 3 years old and she says, ‘I’m a real tough kid. I can handle my stuff.’ That’s all I hear on a daily basis, because it gets a laugh out of me every time.”

Timberlake reached a deal following his June arrest that will see the star pay a $500 fine and complete community service

Just minutes after reaching a plea deal in his own DWI case, Justin Timberlake is speaking out on the dangers of drunk driving.

The “Mirrors” singer, 43, addressed reporters, including PEOPLE, outside the courthouse in Sag Harbor, N.Y. on Friday, Sept. 13, and emphasized the importance of using a rideshare app or calling a friend to get home after consuming any amount of alcohol.

“What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps,” he said. “Take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever’s listening and watching right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have… Even one drink. Don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”

Earlier in the day, Timberlake — who was charged with driving while intoxicated following his arrest in June — pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired as part of his plea deal. The agreement means the star must pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, complete 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choice and have his license suspended for 90 days. He must also make a public service announcement about the dangers of driving impaired.

Justin Timberlake arrives at court in Sag Harbor, New York on Sept. 13, 2024.Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

While speaking to reporters, the Grammy winner expressed disappointment with his actions, and explained why he felt the need to speak about the issue of driving while intoxicated publicly.

“Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself. And this was not that. This was not that,” he said. “I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that and I also understand… that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform.”

Justin Timberlake arriving at court in Sag Harbor on Sept. 13, 2024.Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

Timberlake also said that he “grew up in a small town,” and could therefore “appreciate and understand the strain or unique nature” his case likely imposed on the people of Sag Harbor (The star grew up in Millington, Tenn., a town with a population of about 10,400 people; Sag Harbor has a population of about 2,500 people).

“I just want to say to everyone who’s been involved, from everyone in the courtroom to everyone outside, including the police department, that I’m very grateful and I thank them and I guess in closing, I’d like to say we can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part,” he concluded. “I hope that everyone else does their part. And thank you very much.”

Justin Timberlake performing in Vancouver in April 2024.Kevin Mazur/Getty

While in court, Timberlake made a similar comment about the strain on local resources, which prompted Justice Carl Irace to question his “intent,” as he had not yet addressed his decision to drive when he could have used an alternate form of transportation.

The musician then said he “should’ve had better judgment” and understood the “seriousness” of the issue, after which Irace told the star he appreciated his sincerity.

“I believe you,” Irace said before granting the plea deal and imposing the terms of the sentence.

Over multiple hearings this summer, Timberlake’s attorney Edward Burke Jr. has maintained in court that his high-profile client was “not intoxicated” when he was arrested, and Timberlake has said he had one martini.

The star is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which will continue through June 2025. His next show is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Newark, N.J., and the tour is on track to land in the top 10 of the year-end tours list, per Billboard.

The musician pled guilty to driving while ability impaired and will be required to pay a $500 fine and complete 25 hours of community service

Justin Timberlake’s DWI case wrapped Friday with a plea deal as he pled guilty to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.

The musician, 43, appeared with his attorney Edward Burke Jr. on Sept. 13 for a hearing at the courthouse in Sag Harbor, N.Y. after reaching an agreement in his DWI case.

Timberlake addressed Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace, telling the judge that throughout his life, he has tried to hold himself to the “highest standard possible,” and that given the “time to reflect” since his June arrest, has “found myself in a position of disappointment” with himself.

“I did not live up to the standard I hold myself to,” Timberlake said, adding that he had been “raised on certain values” and is aware of his large platform, “a platform I spent my life making.”

He told the court that he’d “like to take a moment to show gratitude to everybody involved,” and said that since he grew up in a small town, he understands “the strain this can put” on local resources.

Justin Timberlake arrives at court in Sag Harbor New York on Sept. 13, 2024.Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

Following Timberlake’s statement, Irace questioned the singer’s “intent,” telling him he still had not addressed the decision to drive when he could have taken a taxi or used a rideshare app.

“I found myself in a position where I should’ve taken a moment,” Timberlake told Irace. “I should’ve had better judgment. I understand and appreciate the seriousness of this situation I put myself in.”

Irace replied that he appreciated Timberlake’s sincerity and that the singer had given the situation a lot of thought. The judge told Timberlake “I believe you” before granting the plea deal and imposing the terms of the sentence.

Timberlake will be required to make a public service announcement about the dangers of driving impaired, pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, complete 25 hours of community service at the non-profit of his choice — which Timberlake said he “would be honored to” do — and have his license suspended for 90 days.

Justin Timberlake arrives at court in Sag Harbor, New York on Sept. 13, 2024.Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

Timberlake and Burke each addressed the press following the sentencing.

“The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American Hotel,” Burke told reporters as Timberlake stood quietly behind him. “Contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other people’s drinks, or warned in advance not to drive. He wasn’t rude, he wasn’t obnoxious, he wasn’t belligerent. In fact, he was polite and he was cooperative and he was respectful during his entire encounter with law enforcement.”

He added, “His plea today to the reduced and amended non-criminal charge is consistent with these facts.

Timberlake spoke to the gathered crowd, encouraging gathered reporters to explore alternative transportation if they’re imbibing.

“Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself. And this was not that. This was not that,” he said. “I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that and I also understand… that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform.”

He continued, “What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps. Take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever’s listening and watching right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have… Even one drink. Don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”

Timberlake closed by thanking those involved, including the police.

“I just want to say to everyone who’s been involved, from everyone in the courtroom to everyone outside, including the police department, that I’m very grateful and I thank them and I guess in closing, I’d like to say we can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part. I hope that everyone else does their part. And thank you very much.”

It was previously reported that Timberlake agreed to plead guilty to the less serious offense of driving while ability impaired after initially being charged with driving while intoxicated. A source close to the star told PEOPLE that he did this so he could put the legal drama behind him.

“He’s a family man, and this is his focus. He accepted a plea deal because he wants to move on,” the source said. “The court case has been a distraction. He doesn’t want his family to be affected by it.”

The “Selfish” singer — who is married to actress Jessica Biel, 42, with whom he shares sons Silas, 9, and Phineas, 4 — was arrested in Sag Harbor, N.Y., on June 18 and charged with driving while intoxicated and received two citations for running a stop sign and failure to keep in lane.

According to the arrest report, an officer allegedly saw Timberlake’s 2025 BMW drive through a stop sign, and “fail to keep on the right side of the roadway.” After the officer initiated a traffic stop, he noted Timberlake’s “eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath… and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests.”

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake in West Hollywood in March 2024.Jerritt Clark/Getty Images

Burke has maintained in court that Timberlake was “not intoxicated” when he was arrested. He put forth a motion to dismiss the case in July but withdrew the motion during a hearing in August when the musician pleaded not guilty to the charges while appearing virtually in court from Antwerp, Belgium.

During that August hearing, the singer also had his license suspended for a year in the state of New York, since he had refused a breathalyzer after being taken to police headquarters following his arrest — something his lawyer said was “standard with every DUI.”

Justin Timberlake performs onstage during his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour at Rogers Arena in April 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia.Kevin Mazur/Getty

The 10-time Grammy winner is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which a source told PEOPLE was “his priority as well.” Another insider said that he and his wife had “moved on from the arrest,” and were focused on their respective projects.

Timberlake is set to continue touring through June 2025 with his next scheduled concert on Sept. 28 in Newark, N.J.