Timberlake's DWI Arrest Makes *NSYNC Ad Go Viral
An ironic 2001 Super Bowl commercial featuring Justin Timberlake promoting responsible drinking has resurfaced on social media following his recent DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York.
The resurfaced commercial, which aired during the 2001 Super Bowl and featured Timberlake alongside his *NSYNC bandmates, was originally intended to encourage parents to talk to their kids about responsible drinking. This ad has gone viral on platforms like TikTok and other social media, casting a spotlight on Timberlake's current legal troubles. Timberlake was charged with driving while intoxicated after he was pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign and exhibiting clear signs of intoxication. The juxtaposition of his past advocacy for responsible drinking with his recent arrest has not gone unnoticed by fans online.
In the ad, the members of *NSYNC thank parents for discussing the dangers of drinking with their children. The commercial features a humorous scene in which a father, who does not recognize the boy band, converses with them while his son is off to the side, visibly embarrassed. The ad ends with a message from Budweiser emphasizing the importance of such conversations for promoting responsible drinking habits among young people.
Despite this early involvement in promoting responsible drinking, Timberlake's recent actions starkly contrast the message delivered in the ad. On the night of his arrest, Timberlake was pulled over in Sag Harbor, New York, after failing to stop at a stop sign and struggling to stay on the proper side of the road. According to police reports, he exhibited several signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glossy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol, slowed speech, and unsteady movement.
After his arrest, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test, which typically results in immediate license suspension and legal consequences in many jurisdictions. Timberlake's lawyer, Ed Burke, has stated that he looks forward to defending his client in court, though specific details of their defense strategy have not been disclosed.
Adding to the public intrigue, an anonymous source described Timberlake as having a 'real drinking problem' for years. This statement has stirred discussions about the potential long-term nature of Timberlake's issues with alcohol and has led to increased scrutiny of his behavior over the years.
The resurfacing of the 2001 responsible drinking ad has sparked considerable discussion and commentary on social media. Fans and critics alike have pointed out the irony of Timberlake's involvement in a campaign promoting responsible drinking juxtaposed with his recent DWI charge. Many have voiced their disappointment, while others have expressed hope for his recovery and a return to the responsible behavior he once endorsed.
This incident is not the first time Timberlake has faced public scrutiny. As a member of one of the most popular boy bands of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Timberlake has often been in the public eye, with both his professional achievements and personal life under constant observation. His recent legal troubles serve as a reminder that public figures are not immune to personal struggles.
Social media users have widely shared clips of the 2001 Super Bowl ad, with many remarking on the contrast between Timberlake's message in the commercial and his recent behavior. Some fans have called for Timberlake to seek help, while others have used the situation as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of fame and the pressures that come with it.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen what impact this incident will have on Timberlake's career and public image. For now, the attention remains on the humorous yet poignant commercial from two decades ago, which has taken on new meaning in light of recent events.