'A tough week': Justin Timberlake breaks silence on DWI arrest, asks Chicago crowd to 'keep loving' him

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Justin Timberlake made his stage comeback on Friday night, June 21, after being detained and accused of drunk driving in Sag Harbor, New York on Tuesday, June 18.

Making his first live performance at the United Center in Chicago since the DWI arrest, the former *NSYNC member, 43, gave a brief message to the crowd, stating that "it's been a tough week", before singing 'Selfish.'

Although Timberlake was reported to have already apologized to his backstage team, this was the first time the ten-time Grammy winner had spoken about the event in public, per the New York Post.

Justin Timberlake makes first appearance since 'tough' DWI arrest

The 'Cry Me a River' crooner — who was making his first public appearance since his humiliating DWI arrest on Tuesday — began his 'Forget Tomorrow' world tour at Chicago's United Center, telling the crowd, "It's been a tough week."

In a message to his fans, Timberlake made the comments and emphasized that they had both had "ups-and-downs and lefts-and-rights."

The crowd cheered as the ex-member of NSYNC bid from the stage, "I know I’m hard to love sometimes but you keep loving me right back."

He joked around with a couple who were celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary earlier in the performance. The "verdict is in," Timberlake addressed the fans, saying that this was "the best crowd of the tour."

The second night of Timberlake's 'Forget Tomorrow' world tour will take place in Chicago on Saturday, June 29, per CNN.

Internet divides over Justin Timberlake's stage comeback

Social media users have had distinct opinions over Timberlake's onstage return as one X (formerly Twitter) user criticized the 'Mirrors' singer and said, "He needs to take responsibility for his actions"

A second user echoed a similar sentiment and said, "That’s not an excuse to go out drunk driving, not only putting your life at risk but the lives of other innocent people on the road."

"Nobody wants to love someone who’s a c*ke addict and a alcoholic," seethed another.

Others flocked to defend the singer as one online user wrote, "Man, that's rough. But respect to JT for owning up to it in front of everyone. Takes guts."

"Love him so so much. He played such a great show tonight. I’m so proud to support this man," remarked another supporter.

"We Love Him," exclaimed another.

Reviewing Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest from earlier this week

In a statement issued by the Sag Harbor Village Police Department, Timberlake "was observed operating a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane of travel."

After an officer conducted a traffic stop, it was discovered that the 'Cry Me a River' hitmaker was "operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition." As a result, he was "placed under arrest, processed, and held overnight for morning arraignment."

Later that morning, he was freed on his own parole.

Timberlake was charged with one count of DWI and two citations for skipping a stop sign and failing to stay in one's lane, according to his arrest paperwork obtained by People.

The 'SexyBack' singer, who will be performing at Madison Square Garden on June 25 and 26, sipped a pricey $21 Vesper Martini at the American Hotel, where he was reportedly "having dinner with a bunch of friends," per sources.

Justin Timberlake's 'Forget Tomorrow' world tour remains unaffected after DWI arrest

Since April, Timberlake has been touring in support of his March-released sixth studio album, 'Everything I Thought It Was.' The Grammy winner's final performance before his arrest took place at the Miami Kaseya Center before an entirely packed house.

Following his two performances in Chicago on June 21 and 22, Timberlake would travel to New York City, where he would stay until July 9 for domestic concerts.

The tour would then head overseas, with Krakow, Poland, hosting the opening day on July 26 for the European leg. The 'Selfish' singer is scheduled to return to court on the following day for his DWI hearing.

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