Justin Timberlake arrested after anonymous tip from inside hotel

Justin Timberlake's arrest last week for drunk driving followed an anonymous tip from the hotel where he was staying, according to new reports.

The “Cry Me A River” singer was arrested at 12:17 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, in the affluent Hamptons enclave of Sag Harbor on Long Island. He was staying at the American Hotel in the area, which is known for being a popular destination for celebrities during the summer months.

THE 10-time Grammy winner43, claimed to have consumed only “one martini,” according to a complaint obtained by THE The New York PostHe broke his silence at a concert last week after his arrest made global news, saying it had been a “difficult week”.

But new reports suggest that the arrest may not have been completely random or routine, and that Timberlake's police stop may have been the result of an anonymous tip to authorities by a relative at the time he was allegedly drank.

“[They] “I said Justin was drinking a lot and they told the cop to watch him if he drove,” said a Southampton restaurateur, who did not wish to be identified. The New York Post.

He did not specify what the alleged caller's connection was to Timberlake.

The local businessman said he believed the pop star had been “mistreated”, adding: “[He was] definitely treated unfairly.

“Everyone is going through this stop sign when no one is there,” the source added, adding that the star is a “Hamptons regular” who has frequented its establishments “numerous times” over the years. years.

“He was always a gentleman,” the restaurateur said. “People always recognize him, they ask him for a photo and he always says yes. He has his hat down and sunglasses on, so it's hard to recognize him, but some people do.

“He's not like Leonardo [DiCaprio]. Leo doesn't like being recognized, he even goes so far as to swear. He doesn't take photos, especially if he's with a group of models.

The source also questioned the claim that Officer Michael Arkinson didn't know who Timberlake was when he arrested him because he was too young.

“If you live in America, you know who Justin Timberlake is,” the source said. “The cop was doing his job, but he definitely knew who Justin was.”

However, the post reports that another local businessman, Mark Zucchero, 54, owner of Flying Point Surf and Sport, said the officer was known locally as a “diligent” police officer.

“[The cop is] “He's definitely not a bad guy. He's diligent, he does a good job. He just didn't know who Justin Timberlake was! That's it, it's pretty simple.”

The Independent has reached out to the Sag Harbor Police Department and Justin Timberlake's representatives for comment.