Popular CBS host criticized for defending Justin Timberlake after his drunk driving arrest, while TV icon praises singer as ‘great guy’

CRITICS have slammed popular CBS host Gayle King for defending Justin Timberlake following his drunken arrest.

The frontman of N’Sync was arrested and charged on Tuesday in Sag Harbor, New York.

Gayle, 69, spoke on CBS Mornings on Wednesday about the arrest of 43-year-old Justin.

After a segment on the show aired discussing the incident, the TV presenter defended the pop star’s character.

On the show, she noted that he was a “great guy.”

“Justin Timberlake is a really, really great guy,” she said on the show.

“Look, that was clearly a mistake. I bet nobody knows that better than him.”

She added that while his actions were “stupid,” he was “not an irresponsible,” “reckless” or “reckless” person.

Gayle admitted that “it’s not a good thing,” but like Billy Joel, said fans shouldn’t judge.

However, she added that there is “never an excuse” for driving while drunk.

Although she held Justin accountable, Gayle was heavily criticized for her comments defending the star.

“Seriously, @GayleKing? I don’t think the families who lost someone to a reckless and selfish drunk driver feel the same way. Just because you’re for Justin and his appropriation doesn’t mean he gets a free pass,” wrote one critic on X.

Another posted: “Hopefully no one you love will ever be hit by a drunk driver.”

“@GayleKing: Any adult who drives drunk is irresponsible. Period. Drop the mic. We teach teenagers the same thing. Celebrities don’t get a free pass,” criticized a third person.

Someone else commented: “Maybe he is not irresponsible overall, but driving drunk is an irresponsible act.”

Justin’s arrest

Justin was stopped after a night at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor, New York.

The arresting officer claimed they saw him swerve and ignore a stop sign.

The “Selfish” singer reportedly failed a sobriety test and refused to take a breathalyzer test.

He was arraigned in Sag Harbor Village Court and released without bail.

Justin was charged with drunk driving and ticketed for disregarding a stop sign and failing to maintain his lane.

Further information regarding his arrest has been released.

One of the police officers who arrested Justin did not recognize him, a source told Page Six.

“He didn’t recognize him and didn’t know his name,” the source said.

Another insider told the publication that Justin was worried about his upcoming tour at the time of his arrest.

“Justin said quietly, ‘This is going to ruin the tour,'” the insider said.

“The cop replied, ‘What tour?’ Justin said, ‘The world tour.'”

The insider continued.

“He was a gentleman,” they said.

“He has shown no entitlement to it at all. He may have refused the tests, but that is his right.”

HUUUU

Fans and critics were outraged after details of Justin’s dealings with police before his arrest became public.

On Reddit, one user wrote: “Hahahahaha that is the most petty and embarrassing thing I have ever heard from a ‘celebrity’.”

“Don’t be shy about the body cam footage. And the list of friends who tried to get the cop to turn a blind eye,” another shared.

A third joked about his mugshot: “Now I know he practiced this in the mirror because that is literally the most neutral expression I have ever seen on a human face.”

“He behaved recklessly and also refused a breathalyzer test from someone who didn’t recognize him…entitlement through and through,” scoffed a fourth critical commentator.

Justin will embark on his “Forget Tomorrow” world tour in a few days.

The series of performances begins on June 21 with a show at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

He then returns to New York City for two nights at Madison Square Garden on June 25 and 26.

After several performances in the USA, Justin is now about to begin the European part of his tour.

His appearance in Poland is scheduled for July 26 – the same day he must appear in court.

Justin will also perform in Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden.

He will return to the US in October for the second leg of his tour.

A source had previously told US Sun exclusively that Justin wants to avoid the cancellation of one of his shows at all costs.

“Justin’s team will work to ensure he can perform in Poland,” the insider said.

“He is currently due to appear in court on the same day that he begins the European leg of his tour. He is scheduled to play two nights there. He certainly won’t want to disappoint his fans.”

It is currently unclear what impact Justin’s arrest will have on his touring plans.