If you have been on social media this week, you probably have been flooded with memes regarding Justin Timberlake’s arrest. The reported conversation between the singer and the arresting officer has officially become Internet’s lore, and an iconic pop culture moment.
Timberlake was arrested on June 18 for driving while intoxicated. The singer, according to NBC News, refused to take a chemical test, but the officer claims that he had “a strong smell of alcohol on his breath.” The Daily Night reported that Timberlake had drinked a Vesper Martini, which is “all alcohol” and “no mixer.”
However, as reported by Page Six, citing an anonymous source, the officer was too young to recognize the singer and actor, which resulted in an awkward exchange about his upcoming tour, The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which was supposed to mark his big comeback to music stardom.
‘What Tour?’ meme: The embarrassing exchange between Timberlake and the officer
According to the report from Page Six, Timberlake mumbled that his arrest was going to “ruin the tour,” to which the officer asked “What tour?” and the singer replied, “The World Tour.” As we said, now this dialogue has inspired countless memes, referencing series, movies and more. Here are some of the most liked and quote on X (formerly Twitter):
A Biblical joke:
Billy from ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ understands:
A Marriage Story:
Let’s go classic with ‘West Wing’ drama:
Sociopaths also go on ‘world tours’:
The Bridgerton brothers aren’t happy:
And neither this Jonas Brother:
Quite meta, if you ask us:
Why does the Internet dislike Justin Timberlake?
Timberlake’s arrest has showcased that the singer and actor has had a fallout with the general public. In the early 2000s, Justin Timberlake’s break-up with Britney Spears became a widely publicized scandal, exacerbated by his “Cry Me A River” music video, which insinuated Spears had been unfaithful. This narrative led to intense public shaming of Spears by media and fans. However, Spears’ memoir, “The Woman in Me,” shifted the perspective by revealing that Timberlake had been a serial cheater during their relationship and had pressured her into getting an abortion when she became pregnant.
Timberlake also faced criticism for his involvement in the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show controversy, known as “Nipplegate,” where he exposed Janet Jackson’s breast, leading to a significant public backlash against Jackson, while Timberlake faced no repercussions.
Amid growing criticism in 2021, Timberlake issued a vague apology on Instagram, expressing regret for his actions and failures to defend Jackson and Spears, acknowledging his role in their public humiliation and suffering.
