Justin Timberlake Questions Police Protocol and Jokes About Race in Released DWI Bodycam Footage

Newly released bodycam footage from Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI arrest shows the pop star joking about his race and questioning police protocol in Suffolk County.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT

Source: People

The Holding Cell Exchange and Race Comments

While processing paperwork at the station, an officer asked Timberlake to verify his details. Upon seeing his race listed, Timberlake quipped, “White? I’m just kidding. I’m just kidding, man,” while laughing. The levity shifted as the reality of his situation set in; when informed he would remain in a cell until the following morning, Timberlake appeared surprised, asking if he truly had to stay "all night." Upon confirmation, he sighed and told the officers, “Yo, you guys are wild, man,” before inquiring if handcuffs were standard protocol for such arrests.

Refusal of Chemical Testing and "One Martini" Claim

The footage documents Timberlake’s firm refusal to undergo post-arrest chemical testing. "No, I’m not doing the chemical test," he told officers, adding that he "didn't mean no harm." Throughout the video, Timberlake maintained that he had consumed only "one martini" at the American Hotel before attempting to follow his friends home. When officers detailed his traffic violations—including running a stop sign and veering out of his lane—Timberlake responded, "Well, I was just following my friends," while still maintaining a polite demeanor by telling the officers he "appreciated them doing their job."

The "World Tour" Explanation

In one of the more awkward segments of the video, recorded at the initial traffic stop, Timberlake attempted to explain his identity to the arresting officer. After mentioning he was driving a rental car because he was "on tour," the officer asked for clarification. Timberlake replied, "It's hard to explain... um... I'm Justin Timberlake." At the time of the arrest, the singer was in the midst of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which has since been complicated by his 2025 Lyme disease diagnosis.