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

Justin Timberlake and his legal Team speaking to the Media, after the Hearing at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court at 55 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY.
Timberlake continues to speak to the press after a court hearing, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Sag Harbor, N.Y.Brigitte Stelzer

Justin Timberlake speaking to the media after the Hearing at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court at 55 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY.
“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.

Showing the Media set up for Justin Timberlake at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court at 55 Main Street in Sag Harbor, NY
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.”