Justin Timberlake Takes Stage in Chicago in First Appearance Since Arrest: 'It's Been a Tough Week'

On Friday night, Justin Timberlake gave his first live performance since his DWI arrest early Tuesday morning in Long Island, New York.

At his concert in Chicago at the United Center on June 21, the former *NSYNC member, 43, told fans that “it’s been a rough week” in a short speech before performing “Selfish.”

“I know sometimes it’s hard to love me, but you keep loving me and I love you right back,” he added as the concertgoers cheered.

Earlier in the show, he bantered with a couple celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary. Timberlake told the crowd that the “verdict” was that this was “the best crowd on tour.”

Justin Timberlake performs in Vancouver on April 29, 2024.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Justin Timberlake claimed to have had ‘one Martini’ when pulled over by cops but refused breathalyzer test: Police

According to a statement released by the Sag Harbor Police Department on Tuesday, June 18, Timberlake “was observed operating a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a properly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane.”

After a traffic stop by a police officer, it was determined that the killer was “driving his vehicle while intoxicated” and was “arrested, processed and held overnight for a morning hearing.” He was released later that morning on his own recognizance. .

According to a report of his arrest obtained by PEOPLE, Timberlake — who was charged with one count of DWI and two counts of running a stop sign and lane failure — told authorities, “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.”

Justin Timberlake claimed to have had ‘one Martini’ when pulled over by cops but refused breathalyzer test: Police

A source told PEOPLE that his arrest occurred on the morning of June 18 after he spent time “hanging out with friends” at The American Hotel. “No one was hurt,” the insider added.

The next day, attorney Edward Burke Jr. released a statement obtained by PEOPLE regarding Timberlake’s arrest, saying, “Mr. Burke looks forward to Mr. Timberlake’s vigorous defense against these charges. He will have much to say in due time. He is currently awaiting full discovery from the DA’s office.”

Justin Timberlake in New York in June 2019.

Andrew H Walker/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Timberlake has been on the road since April, supporting his sixth studio album Everything I thought it waswhich he published on March 15. Before his arrest, the 10-time Grammy winner’s last stop was a sold-out performance at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

After two nights in Chicago, the artist will hold his next tour at Madison Square Garden in New York, with subsequent home dates through July 9. The tour is then set to kick off its European leg at an arena in Kraków, Poland, on July 26 — the same day the “Selfish” singer is scheduled to return to court.

PEOPLE has learned that the hearing will be virtual, as Timberlake’s attorney will attend in his place while he continues his live performances. Despite the arrest, a source said Timberlake will continue with the tour dates as planned.

“It’s business as usual for him,” the insider said. “The tour continues as planned.”

Gayle King defends Justin Timberlake after his arrest, says singer ‘not reckless’

Justin Timberlake performs in Vancouver on April 29, 2024.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The weekend before his arrest, Timberlake posted a Father’s Day post on Instagram.

“Every day I learn more about myself just because you both chose me to be your dad,” the “Sanctified” artist wrote of his two sons, who he shares with wife Jessica Biel. “I love you both very much. Thank you for giving me my greatest purpose.”

Just hours before Timberlake’s arrest, Biel, 42, was photographed on the set of her new Prime Video series A better sister, filming with actress Elizabeth Banks. A source told PEOPLE that Biel is “not happy” about his arrest, calling it a “distraction.”

“She had to shoot yesterday. She doesn’t like attention on her family, especially not negative attention,” the insider continued, adding that Biel “loves” the “Cry Me a River” star and “will always be there for him.”

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