JUSTIN Timberlake’s arrest earlier this year will have lasting effects on his tour sales and put stress on his marriage, said a public relations expert.
The pop star made headlines in June for a shocking DWI arrest in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York.
Timberlake, 43, was stopped twice by a police officer on June 17, who warned the singer to stay off the road before arresting him moments later.
He was allegedly seen swerving and driving through a stop sign before being pulled over and asked to perform several field sobriety tests.
According to court documents, the singer performed the tests “poorly” and declined to blow into a breathalyzer.
A court hearing is scheduled for Friday morning in Sag Harbor – but Timberlake isn’t expected to be in attendance as his world tour continues.
Eric Schiffer, chairman of the Los Angeles-based firm Reputation Management Consultants, told The U.S. Sun that Timberlake’s arrest would have major repercussions on his reputation.
“It’s a bloodbath to Justin’s credibility,” said Schiffer.
“It can mean carnage to brand deals and a psychological severing of how brands, or people, how fans, might respect him.
“Moving forward, especially those who are now moms, or those who understand how irresponsible he was.”
Schiffer said the damage of the arrest could last the next six months to a year.
“He can manage through this with the right resolution in the case and appropriate commentary at the right time to put this into context,” he added.
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“But at this point, he hasn’t so it leaves a lot of questions open and it drives a lot of anger for people that see him as a further shameless Hollywood prima donna that is out of touch and can work the justice system.”
Schiffer said that out-of-touch celebrities who think they’re above the law are what upsets fans.
Because Timberlake has access to money and proper counsel, it can “unlock a lot of problems and Justin is counting on that and that frustrates some in America.”
‘SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION’
Schiffer also speculated what the arrest could mean for Timberlake’s marriage to Jessica Biel.
The couple tied the knot on October 19, 2012, and share two children together.
Just days after his arrest, the couple put on a united front in a wholesome video shared on social media.
Timberlake returned to New York City to perform at Madison Square Garden for his ongoing Forget Tomorrow world tour.
Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake’s Relationship Timeline
Jessica and Justin have had a rocky relationship, but have been married for over 10 years, which is a long time in Hollywood. Find out more about their relationship and how many children they have.
Justin and Jessica first started dating in 2007 after they met on a ski trip.
They only last a few years and broke up in 2011.
However, Justin and Jessica reunited in November of that year.
And one month later, they were engaged.
Justin proposed on a trip to Montana.
Less than one year later, the couple tied the knot on October 19, 2012, in southern Italy.
In 2014, Jessica became pregnant with their first child.
They had Silas Randall Timberlake on April 11, 2015.
In 2019, their relationship took a bit of a hit when Justin was seen holding hands with his Palmer co-star, Alisha Wainwright.
However, Justin and Jessica made it through and welcomed their second child in January 2021, a boy named Phineas.
In October 2021, they sold their Hollywood home and moved permanently to their Montana house.
Justin and Jessica had a vow renewal in November 2022.
They had a very intimate ceremony in Italy with a couple of friends to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary.
In November 2023, a source told People that the couple was in a great place since moving to Montana.
Jessica and their sons supported Justin on the opening night of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in April 2024.
While on The View in May 2024, the actress opened up about how their marriage is a “work in progress” and they “try to find the balance” when Justin is on the road
Jessica, 43, was all smiles as her husband and his crew tried candy from Bon Bon, a Swedish candy store in the city.
However, Schiffer believes Timberlake’s arrest will create a lot of stress “that could result in challenges in the relationship.”
“Any relationship under severe stress, especially if he does have a drinking problem, can create spontaneous combustion.”
‘RUIN THE TOUR’
Timberlake was arrested amid his Forget Tomorrow world tour, his first tour in five years in support of his sixth album, Everything I Thought It Was.
He’s set to perform in Poland on July 26, the same day he’s expected to appear back in court.
His arrest went viral after the singer proclaimed that it would “ruin the tour,” leading many to wonder if it was a publicity stunt to boost ticket sales.
“If this was a publicity stunt, it was the most harebrained single dumbest thing anyone could have ever come up with because Justin has a [recording] that has gone viral,” said Schiffer.
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.
“They know it’s a potential tour-killer and if you want to nuke a tour, have people feel like they can’t respect him or that he’s irresponsible.
“And especially parents who might want to expose their kids. How could they possibly do that? It’s a serious blow and one that mangled I think the tour momentum at a time where he needs its big time.”
Timberlake apologized to his crew following his arrest, according to a source close to the star.
He held a long conference call with his entourage hours after he was released on bail.
“I don’t think he’s going to be able to dance away some of the damage he’s done to brand trust,” Schiffer said when asked about Timberlake’s future.
“And what will come of that is likely further losses in lower ticket sales and future opportunities.”
