Justin Timberlake addresses “tough week” at first concert since DUI arrest

Justin Timberlake has briefly addressed the “tough week” he’s faced following his DUI arrest earlier this week.

• READ MORE: Justin Timberlake – ‘Everything I Thought It Was’ review: sullied superstar gets trapped in the typical

Timberlake was arrested on Tuesday (June 18) in Long Island, New York for “driving while intoxicated”. According to a complaint obtained by the New York Post, the 10-time Grammy Award winner claimed to have consumed just “one martini” before following his friends home in his car.

Last night (June 21), Timberlake resumed his tour, performing in Chicago. During the set, he took some time to speak to his fans, thanking them for their support. He said: “We’ve been together through ups and downs, lefts and rights. It’s been a tough week, but you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now.”

He continued before wiping a tear off his cheek: “I know sometimes I’m hard to love but you keep on loving me and I love you right back.”

Prior to the concert, Timberlake’s lawyer Ed Burke also alleged that the singer had refused a breathalayser: “The charge was a single count because he refused the breath test. Mr. Timberlake was also charged with two other court citations, running a stop sign and not travelling in the correct traffic lane.” Per TMZ, the former *NSYNC star is due back in court on July 26.

Elsewhere, it was reported that the cop who arrested Timberlake allegedly did not recognise the popstar – with Timberlake allegedly saying it would “ruin” his tour. A source alleged to Page Six: “Justin said under his breath, ‘This is going to ruin the tour.’ The cop replied, ‘What tour?’ Justin said, ‘The world tour.’”

Timberlake recently released his sixth album ‘Everything I Thought It Was’. In a three-star review, NME wrote: “Timberlake is a less beloved pop superstar than he probably should be 25 years after he sang ‘It’s gonna be may’ on an era-defining NSYNC banger.

“‘Everything I Thought It Was’ shows he hasn’t lost his vocal chops or ability to work a groove, but it doesn’t do enough to make you block out past misdemeanours. For now, Timberlake’s problematic fave era will have to wait.”

The singer is set to perform two shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden next week (June 25, 26). Visit here to purchase any last-minute tickets.