Stars like Billy Joel and Gayle King react to Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
- Justin Timberlake was arrested on Tuesday and charged with driving while intoxicated.
- Celebrities like Gayle King and Billy Joel have publicly defended Timberlake.
- His wife, Jessica Biel, is "not happy" but plans to be supportive, People reports.
Justin Timberlake is making headlines this week after he was arrested in Sag Harbor, New York.
Timberlake, who's currently on a world tour to support his latest album, "Everything I Thought It Was," was apprehended shortly after midnight on June 18. He was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated and released without bail.
Timberlake's eyes were "bloodshot and glassy" when he was pulled over, according to the police report filed by Officer Michael Arkinson, with a "strong odor" of alcohol on his breath.
Officer Arkinson quoted Timberlake as saying that he had "one martini" before getting behind the wheel.
Sag Harbor Police Department via Getty Images
The pop star's lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., said he is ready to "vigorously" defend Timberlake in a statement shared with TMZ.
Indeed, Burke Jr. isn't the only one — in spite of the memes and jokes made at Timberlake's expense.
Hamptons resident Billy Joel — who spoke to reporters while dining at the American Hotel, where Timberlake was reportedly partying before his arrest — advised caution while reacting to the news.
"Judge not lest ye be judged," Joel told PIX11 News on Tuesday.
Gayle King also struck a lenient tone while addressing the incident on Wednesday's episode of "CBS Mornings."
"Justin Timberlake is a really, really great guy," she said, per People. "Listen, this is clearly a mistake. I bet nobody knows it more than he."
"He's not an irresponsible person, he's not reckless, he's not careless," she continued.
King also noted that Timberlake's actions are "alleged," though she added there is "never any excuse" for drunken driving.
Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Justin Timberlake
Timberlake's wife, Jessica Biel, has not commented publicly. However, a source told People that while she's "not happy," Biel is prepared to support Timberlake and "will always be by his side."
"She doesn't like any attention on the family, especially not negative," the source said, describing the arrest as a "distraction" for Biel.
"He's a great dad and husband," they added of Timberlake, who shares two sons with Biel, named Silas and Phineas.
Timberlake's court date is set for July 26, the same day he's due to perform the second of two shows at Madison Square Garden. He is also scheduled to perform two shows in Chicago later this week. Timberlake has not yet announced any changes to his tour.
A representative for Timberlake did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.