Justin Timberlake Speaks Out After Reaching Plea Deal in DWI Case: ‘Don’t Get Behind the Wheel of a Car’

Just minutes after reaching a plea deal in his own DWI case, Justin Timberlake is speaking out on the dangers of drunk driving.

The “Mirrors” singer, 43, addressed reporters, including PEOPLE, outside the courthouse in Sag Harbor, N.Y. on Friday, Sept. 13, and emphasized the importance of using a rideshare app or calling a friend to get home after consuming any amount of alcohol.

“What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps,” he said. “Take a taxi. This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever’s listening and watching right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have… Even one drink. Don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”

Earlier in the day, Timberlake — who was charged with driving while intoxicated following his arrest in June — pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving while ability impaired as part of his plea deal. The agreement means the star must pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, complete 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choice and have his license suspended for 90 days. He must also make a public service announcement about the dangers of driving impaired.

While speaking to reporters, the Grammy winner expressed disappointment with his actions, and explained why he felt the need to speak about the issue of driving while intoxicated publicly.

“Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life, and as you may know, I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself. And this was not that. This was not that,” he said. “I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that and I also understand… that I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform.”

Timberlake also said that he “grew up in a small town,” and could therefore “appreciate and understand the strain or unique nature” his case likely imposed on the people of Sag Harbor (The star grew up in Millington, Tenn., a town with a population of about 10,400 people; Sag Harbor has a population of about 2,500 people).

“I just want to say to everyone who’s been involved, from everyone in the courtroom to everyone outside, including the police department, that I’m very grateful and I thank them and I guess in closing, I’d like to say we can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part,” he concluded. “I hope that everyone else does their part. And thank you very much.”

While in court, Timberlake made a similar comment about the strain on local resources, which prompted Justice Carl Irace to question his “intent,” as he had not yet addressed his decision to drive when he could have used an alternate form of transportation.

The musician then said he “should’ve had better judgment” and understood the “seriousness” of the issue, after which Irace told the star he appreciated his sincerity.

“I believe you,” Irace said before granting the plea deal and imposing the terms of the sentence.

Over multiple hearings this summer, Timberlake’s attorney Edward Burke Jr. has maintained in court that his high-profile client was “not intoxicated” when he was arrested, and Timberlake has said he had one martini.

The star is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which will continue through June 2025. His next show is scheduled for Sept. 28 in Newark, N.J., and the tour is on track to land in the top 10 of the year-end tours list, per Billboard.