Music icon Billy Joel was recently spotted having lunch at The American Hotel, the same restaurant where pop star Justin Timberlake dined before his DWI arrest on Monday night. The hotel has a notable history, as Joel himself dined there over 20 years ago before infamously crashing his car into a tree in Sag Harbor. At the time, there were speculations about Joel’s alcohol consumption, but he was never charged with a DUI, despite several similar incidents.
Joel’s infamous car crash in 2003, after which he checked himself into rehab.
In contrast to Timberlake’s recent experience, local law enforcement was accused of treating Joel leniently due to his beloved status as a Long Island native. When asked about Timberlake’s arrest, Joel briefly commented, “Judge not lest ye be judged,” before departing on his light green Vespa scooter. Timberlake, currently on his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour,” was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning for driving while intoxicated, among other charges.
According to the police report, Timberlake exhibited signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, and slowed speech. He also struggled to maintain his attention and failed a field sobriety test. Timberlake was arraigned on the DWI charge, as well as running a stop sign and failing to stay in his lane. He is due back in court on July 26 and has had his driving privileges in New York suspended for refusing to take a breathalyzer test.
Billy Joel, second from right in a black cap, shared his thoughts on Timberlake’s arrest.
A source revealed that Timberlake’s dinner outing involved a routine police presence outside the restaurant, which is common for late-night diners who may have been drinking. Timberlake’s upcoming schedule includes shows in Chicago and New York City, with a brief break before the European leg of his tour commences in late July.
The scene of Billy Joel’s car crash in January 2003, after dining at The American Hotel.
Timberlake was escorted in handcuffs from the Sag Harbor police headquarters to the village’s Justice Court.
The “Prince of Pop,” as Timberlake is often called, is married to actress Jessica Biel, whom he wed in 2012. His recent album, “Everything I Thought It Was,” is his sixth solo album and was released in March, marking his first solo work in six years.