Justin Timberlake and 7 Other Pop Stars Who’ve Been Arrested for DWIs — Mugshots Included
On Monday, June 17, authorities arrested Justin Timberlake for a DWI after he blew a stop sign. According to police reports, the 43-year-old appeared glassy-eyed and smelled of alcohol as he swerved along a road in the wealthy Hamptons enclave of Sag Harbor. He refused a breathalyzer, producing a somber mugshot the next morning. Timberlake is due in court again on July 26, which will likely require canceling his world tour appearance in Poland on the same day.
The singer, songwriter, and actor had managed to mostly distance himself from scandal for several years before his arrest. But this incident lands Timberlake squarely back in the spotlight. The “SexyBack” singer isn’t the first pop star to face a DWI arrest, however.
Justin Bieber
In January 2014, police arrested Justin Bieber in Miami Beach for a DUI, resisting arrest without violence, and having an expired driver’s license. Authorities pulled him over as he drove a yellow Lamborghini, allegedly participating in a street race with a friend. Police reports indicated that Bieber admitted to consuming alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs before driving. The arrest drew significant media attention and led to widespread public scrutiny of Bieber’s behavior. Following the arrest, the “Peaches” singer reached a plea deal. He agreed to take anger management courses and make a charitable donation.
In 2021, Bieber discussed his DUI on Instagram. He captioned a photo of himself in handcuffs, “7 years ago today I was arrested, not my finest hour. Not proud of where I was at in my life. I was hurting, unhappy, confused, angry, mislead, misunderstood and angry at god … All this to say God has brought me a long way.”
Nick Carter
In March 2005, Nick Carter, a member of the Backstreet Boys, was arrested for a DUI in Huntington Beach, California. Police pulled him over after noticing that he was driving erratically. Carter failed a field sobriety test, and his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. His publicist told E!, “Nick Carter deeply regrets the current situation. He is on doctor-prescribedmedication and was unaware of its interaction possibilities.”
Aaron Carter
In July 2017, the late Aaron Carter was arrested in Georgia for a DUI and possession of marijuana, reports The Florida Times-Union. Police pulled over the “I Want Candy” singer after they observed his erratic driving. He subsequently failed a field sobriety test. Authorities also arrested Carter’s girlfriend, Madison Parker, for drug-related offenses. The arrest highlighted the pop star’s struggles with substance abuse and legal issues. Following the incident, the “Aaron’s Party” singer publicly defended himself, blaming his vehicle’s alignment issues for his poor driving.
Carter died on November 5, 2022, from an accidental drowning after ingesting alprazolam and inhaling difluoroethane. He was 34.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan’s first DUI arrest occurred in May 2007 in Beverly Hills, California, after she lost control of her car and crashed into a curb, reports People. The “Rumors” singer was arrested again in July 2007 in Santa Monica, California. This time, the debacle involved a car chase with another vehicle. In both incidents, Lohan was under the influence of alcohol and had cocaine in her possession. These arrests led to multiple legal issues, including probation violations and subsequent jail time, significantly impacting her career and public image.
George Michael
George Michael faced multiple DUI arrests throughout his life. In 2006, the iconic pop star was arrested in London for being unfit to drive after being found slumped at the wheel of his car. A more serious incident occurred in 2010 when he crashed his Range Rover into a shop in Hampstead. This led to his arrest and subsequent jail sentence for driving under the influence of cannabis. These incidents reflected ongoing struggles with substance abuse, contributing to the late singer’s tumultuous personal life. The “Last Christmas” singer died on December 25, 2016, from cardiomyopathy.
Rick Springfield
In May 2011, Rick Springfield was arrested for a DUI in Malibu, California. The “Jessie’s Girl” singer was pulled over by the LA County Sheriff’s Department for speeding and subsequently failed a field sobriety test. Springfield’s blood alcohol content was reportedly measured at 0.10%, above the legal limit of 0.08%. Following the incident, Springfield expressed remorse and emphasized his commitment to addressing personal challenges and maintaining his sobriety.
Diana Ross
In December 2002, police arrested Diana Ross for a DUI after she drove erratically in Tucson, Arizona. The former Supremes lead singer failed multiple field sobriety tests. She was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.20%, more than twice the legal limit. Police took Ross into custody. They later released her on bail, drawing significant media coverage due to her iconic status in the music industry. The “I’m Coming Out” singer faced legal consequences, including a plea deal that required her to complete a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Honorable mention: Christina Aguilera
In March 2011, Christina Aguilera was arrested for public intoxication in West Hollywood. The arrest occurred when police stopped her boyfriend, Matthew Rutler, who was driving erratically and subsequently arrested for a DUI. The “Genie in a Bottle” singer was a passenger in the car and was taken into custody for her own safety due to her level of intoxication. Both were released on bail the following morning, with no charges filed against Aguilera. The incident drew significant media attention, highlighting concerns about Aguilera’s personal life at the time.
How to get help: In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
