Justin Timberlake Allegedly Struggled With 'Real Drinking Problem' Before DWI Arrest: Report
Justin Timberlake has a serious drinking problem, according to a source.
The former NSYNC member was arrested in the Hamptons on DWI-related charges on Tuesday. During the arrest, he was visibly intoxicated. However, an unnamed source told Page Six that he has had issues with alcohol way before the incident.
"It's not a secret. Everyone knows," the music insider familiar with the matter said. "He has a real drinking problem, a lot of weed -- but a major alcohol problem, and he's been hiding and masking it for years."
The insider added that the artist's alleged penchant for alcohol "got to him" and alleged that "everyone around him have been enablers."
Another source told Page Six that Timberlake was "wasted" and even drank another person's drink before his arrest.
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"At one point, just before closing, somebody got up to go to the bathroom and left his drink on the table," the source claimed. "The guy goes, 'Justin, that's my drink!'"
However, another tipster claimed that the "Cry Me River" singer had not been drinking before the DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrest. Timberlake even allegedly lost weight and had been living a healthier lifestyle. He reportedly cut out the booze before the April launch of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
But when Timberlake had dinner with his pals at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor on Long Island this week, a source close to the singer told the outlet that cops, who had been stationed outside, pulled him over for a traffic violation. The musician allegedly refused a breathalyzer test after blowing through a stop sign and swerving on the road.
The negative press surrounding his career had reportedly taken a toll on Timberlake. This allegedly led Jessica Biel's husband to be in a "dark place."
"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 a very dark place," the insider claimed.
Timberlake was "drinking heavily" around the time the New York Times released its documentary on his ex, Britney Spears, in 2021, which included clips of him discussing his sexual relationship with her. He also reportedly made changes with his team to manage the backlash he received from Spears' supporters for his alleged mistreatment of the "Toxic" singer. Timberlake issued an apology to Spears on Instagram and said he was "deeply sorry" and wanted to "take accountability" for what he did.
"He was very concerned about his career and acting. People were very worried about him," the insider added.
Interestingly, another source close to Timberlake insisted that he "has never been better."
"He's in great shape. His tour is sold out. He's in a good space," they said.