Justin Timberlake was arrested after an anonymous tip from the hotel

Justin Timberlake’s arrest for drunk driving last week was based on an anonymous tip from the hotel where he was staying, according to new reports.

The “Cry Me A River” singer was arrested at 12:17 a.m. on Tuesday (June 17) in the affluent Hamptons enclave of Sag Harbor on Long Island. He was staying at the American Hotel in the area, known as a popular celebrity destination during the summer months.

The 10-time Grammy winner43, claimed to have only drunk “one martini,” according to a complaint filed The New York Post. He broke his silence at a concert last week after his arrest made headlines around the world, saying it had been a “tough week”.

But now new reports suggest that the arrest may not have been entirely random or routine, and that Timberlake’s arrest by police was the result of an anonymous tip to authorities from someone close to him at a time when he was allegedly drinking alcohol.

“(They) said Justin had been drinking a lot and they told the cop to watch out for him if he wanted to drive,” said a Southampton restaurant owner who asked not to be identified. The New York Post.

He did not provide any information about the alleged caller’s connection to Timberlake.

The local businessman said he believed the pop star had been “mistreated,” adding: “(He was) definitely treated unfairly.”

“Everyone drives through that stop sign when no one is there,” the source added, saying the star was a “regular at the Hamptons” who had visited his establishments “many times” over the years.

“He was always a gentleman,” the restaurant owner said. “People always recognize him and ask for a photo, and he always says yes. He has his hat pulled down low over his face and is wearing sunglasses, so it’s hard to recognize him, but some people do.

“He’s not like Leonardo (DiCaprio). Leo doesn’t like being recognized and he even swears. He doesn’t take photos, especially when he’s with a group of models.”

The source also cast doubt on the claim that Officer Michael Arkinson did not know who Timberlake was when he arrested him because he was too young.

“If you live in America, you know who Justin Timberlake is,” the source said. “The cop was doing his job, but he definitely knew who Justin was.”

However, the Post reported that another local businessman, 54-year-old Mark Zucchero, owner of Flying Point Surf and Sport, said the officer was known locally as a “hard-working” cop.

“(The cop is) definitely not a bad guy. He’s hardworking, he does a good job. He just didn’t know who Justin Timberlake was! That’s all, simple as that.”

The Independent has reached out to Sag Harbor Police and representatives for Justin Timberlake for comment.