Gayle King Comes To Justin Timberlake’s Defense, Says His DWI Was “A Mistake”

Gayle King has hilariously come to the rescue of Justin Timberlake following his epic DWI misadventure.

The 43-year-old pop icon found himself in hot water—or should we say martini?—when he was nabbed in Sag Harbor, New York, on Tuesday (June 18) for driving under the influence. According to People, Justin’s excuse to the cops was a classic: “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.” Spoiler alert: It didn’t work. He ended up spending the night in jail, probably pondering his life choices, before his lawyer went into overdrive with a flurry of statements trying to mop up the mess.

Enter Gayle King, CBS Mornings host and unofficial superhero, who swooped in to sprinkle some sense—and maybe a dash of humor—on the whole situation during Wednesday’s (June 19) show.

“Justin Timberlake is a really, really great guy,” Gayle said, probably trying to channel her inner Oprah. “Listen, this is clearly a mistake. I bet nobody knows it more than he does,” she added, as if Justin was the star pupil who accidentally set off the fire alarm.

Gayle, in her infinite wisdom, admitted that Justin messed up but assured her cohosts Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson, “He’s not an irresponsible person. He’s not reckless, careless. Clearly this is not a good thing. He knows that.” It’s almost as if she was describing someone who accidentally stepped on your toe, not someone caught driving tipsy.

To wrap it all up, Gayle hit us with the ultimate truth bomb: “There’s never any excuse ever” for drunk driving.

Justin might be bringing sexy back, but let’s hope he leaves the martinis at home next time!