CRITICS have slammed beloved CBS host Gayle King for defending Justin Timberlake following his DWI arrest.
The N’Sync frontman was booked and charged in Sag Harbor, New York, on Tuesday.
Gayle, 69, weighed in on 43-year-old Justin’s arrest during CBS Mornings on Wednesday.
After the show aired a segment discussing the incident, the TV host defended the pop star’s character.
She noted on the show that he’s a “great guy.”
“Justin Timberlake is a really, really great guy,” she said on the show.
“Listen, this was clearly a mistake. I bet nobody knows it more than he.”
She added that while his actions were “stupid,” he is “not an irresponsible,” “reckless,” or “careless” person.
Gayle confessed that “this is not a good thing,” but suggested – as Billy Joel did – that fans should not judge.
She did add, however, that “there is never any excuse for” driving drunk.
Despite holding Justin accountable, Gayle was slammed over her comments defending the star.
“Really, @GayleKing? I think the families who have lost someone because of a RECKLESS AND SELF-CENTERED drunk driver don’t feel the same. Just because you’re straight for Justin and his appropriation doesn’t mean he gets a pass,” one critic wrote on X.
Another posted, “hopefully no one you ever love gets hit by a drunk driver.”
“@GayleKing any adult getting behind the wheel after drinking is irresponsible. Full stop. Mic drop. We teach teenagers the same. Celebs don’t get a pass,” a third person critiqued.
Someone else commented, “Maybe as a whole he’s not irresponsible but driving while drunk is an irresponsible act.”
JUSTIN’S ARREST
Justin was pulled over after a night out at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor, New York.
The arresting officer claimed they watched him swerve and drive through a stop sign.
Justin Timberlake ‘arrested for driving while intoxicated’ in Sag Harbor
The Selfish singer reportedly failed to perform a sobriety test and refused a breathalyzer.
He was arraigned at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court and released without bail.
Justin was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated and cited for running a stop sign and failing to stay in his lane.
More information was released about his arrest.
Timberlake’s Criminal Attorney to the Stars
Justin Timberlake hired Sag Harbor legal eagle Ed Burke Jr for his DWI case
Justin’s attorney has represented a gamut of notable names out east.
In 2015, the attorney represented a pre #MeToo era Matt Lauer in his fight with his Water Mill neighbors to plant trees along his property in an effort to combat noise from adjoining properties that were spooking his horses.
In 2017, Ed represented Harvey Weinstein in a fender bender incident in a parking lot in the Hamptons, where the disgraced movie mogul allegedly tried to drive away.
In 2001, he represented Lizzie Grubman, a nightlife publicist whose car careened into a crowd of 16 people in front of a Hamptons club, before fleeing the scene.
One of the police officers arresting Justin reportedly did not recognize him, a source told Page Six.
“He didn’t recognize him or his name,” the source said.
Another insider revealed to the publication that Justin was concerned about his upcoming tour during the arrest.
“Justin said under his breath, ‘This is going to ruin the tour,” the insider said.
“The cop replied, ‘What tour?’ Justin said, ‘The world tour.'”
The insider went on.
“He was a gentleman,” they said.
“He didn’t show any entitlement at all. He did refuse the tests, but that is his right.”
YIKES
Fans and critics went into a frenzy after details of Justin’s interaction with police ahead of his arrest became public.
On Reddit, one user wrote, “Hahahahah this is the pettiest, cringiest thing I’ve ever heard from a ‘celeb.'”
“Don’t be shy with that body cam footage. And list of friends who were trying to get the cop to turn a blind eye,” someone else shared.
A third joked of his mugshot, “Now i know he’s practiced this one in the mirror bc it’s the most neutral expression i’ve ever seen on a human face, literally.”
“Acting reckless and also refusing a breathalyser from someone who didn’t recognise him… entitlement all throughout,” a fourth critical commenter mocked.
Justin is set to head out on The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in a matter of days.
The string of performances will kick off with a show in Chicago, Illinois, on June 21 at the United Center.
He will then return to New York City for a two-night set at Madison Square Garden on June 25 and 26.
After several shows in the US, Justin is set to embark on the European leg of his tour.
He is slated to perform in Poland on July 26 – the same day he’s due in court.
Justin’s also set to perform in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
He will return to the US in October for the second leg of his tour.
A source previously told The U.S. Sun exclusively that Justin is eager to avoid canceling any of his shows.
“Justin’s team will be working to see if they can make sure he can perform in Poland,” the insider said.
“At the moment he is due in court on the same day he is starting the European leg of his tour. He is supposed to be playing two nights there. He will not want to let his fans down.”
It’s currently unclear how Justin’s arrest will impact his tour plans.
