Justin Timberlake’s DUI arrest was apparently the subject of jokes at a Boston concert

Justin Timberlake is apparently downplaying his recent arrest.

As videos shared on social media showed, the 43-year-old “Cry Me a River” singer joked about a DWI arrest during an appearance at the TD Garden in Boston on Saturday.

“Is there anyone here tonight who’s driving… no, I’m just kidding,” Timberlake said to the crowd, pausing before finishing his sentence.

As the crowd cheered and laughed at Timberlake’s joke about his drunk driving, he finished the sentence differently, asking, “Is there anyone here tonight who came to this show for the first time?”

USA TODAY has reached out to Timberlake representatives.

Timberlake appeared to joke about the fact that he was arrested earlier this month in the Hamptons for allegedly driving under the influence. According to the Village of Sag Harbor Police Department, the singer was stopped after he failed to stop at a stop sign and “failed to maintain lane.” During the investigation, police “determined that Mr. Timberlake was driving while impaired.”

The arrest occurred during Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow tour.

Justin Timberlake arrested: Singer charged with drunk driving in Hamptons

After his joke, Timberlake began talking more seriously about his relationship with fans.

“It’s been almost three decades, all of you,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, you’ve been such a huge, beautiful, special part of my life, and I can only hope that I’ve been half as much of a part of you. To all of you who are here tonight, I’m so grateful. I love you all so much. And I raise a toast to another 30 years. Let’s keep it going.”

Timberlake has previously spoken about his DWI arrest during a concert in Chicago on June 21, without providing details about what happened.

“We have been through ups and downs together, left and right,” he said on stage at the United Center. “It’s been a difficult week, but you’re here, I’m here, and nothing can change this moment.”

“I Know I’m Hard to Love” Justin Timberlake says it’s been a “tough week” after his DWI arrest

He added, “I know I’m hard to love sometimes, but keep loving me and I love you.”

Timberlake has not said anything more about his arrest. However, in a statement to USA TODAY earlier this month, his attorney, Edward Burke Jr., said he would “vigorously defend” Timberlake against the allegations.

The lawyer added: “I will have much to say in due course, but I am currently awaiting full findings from the District Attorney’s office.”

Timberlake’s joke sparked mixed reactions on social media. While one fan commented on TikTok that they were “making each other laugh,” others were critical.

“He should be ashamed of himself, drunk driving is not a joke,” one fan wrote, while another comment read: “I don’t see anything funny about it. Especially when you lose people to drunk drivers.”

Contributor: Jay Stahl, Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY and Craig S. Semon, Worcester Telegram & Gazette