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Justin Timberlake ordered to make excruciating public apology after taking sweetheart plea deal in drunk driving case

He’s bringing sorry back. 

Justin Timberlake issued a groveling, court-ordered apology Friday for getting behind the wheel after downing drinks in the Hamptons.

“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” said the former boy band heartthrob — who was ordered to deliver the public statement as part of a plea deal to a lesser violation in the case. 

Justin Timberlake speaks to the press after a court hearing, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Sag Harbor, N.Y.AP
“This is a mistake that I made but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” the pop star said.AP
 

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Photo: T E McMorrow
Singer Justin Timberlake appears with his lawyer Edward Burke at a hearing related to a DWI arrest in the Sag Harbor Village Court in Sag Harbor, New York, U.S., September 13, 2024.via REUTERS

“Even one drink — don’t get behind the wheel of the car.”

The “SexyBack” singer talked after pleading guilty in a Sag Harbor courtroom Friday to driving while alcohol impaired, which was a  lesser charge than the DWI count he faced.

The deal with prosecutors orignially only involved him making his public apology, but Justice Carl Irace said that was not enough and decided on his own to also sentence Timberlake to 25 to 40 hours of community service.

While its not clear when the work sentence will begin, the former NSYNC star delivered comments outside the courthouse after the hearing.

During the three-minute address to the media, Timberlake admitted that while “I try to hold myself to a very high standard — this was not that.”

The singer, wearing a dark grey cardigan, khaki colored-pants and a double strand pearl necklace, said he “could have made a different decision” and added that since the incident he’s “had some time to reflect on that.”

Justin Timberlake arrives at court in Sag Harbor New York on Sept. 13, 2024. 
Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages

Timberlake then emphasized a second time, that no one should drive even after having just one drink, urging people to look for any other transportation option after imbibing.

“There’s so many alternatives,” he said. “Call a friend, take an Uber. There are so many travel apps. Take a taxi.”

“I guess in closing, I’d like to say we could all be more safe out there,” Timberlake added. “I’m going to do my part. I hope that everyone else does their part. Thank you.”

CREDIT: NY Post Hannah Fierick and Priscilla DeGregory