Justin Timberlake is arrested for driving under the influence after leaving Sag Harbor's American Hotel in New York on Monday night. Photographs depict him looking stunned as he was escorted in handcuffs to court from a Hamptons police station the following morning.
New report has it that this recent increase in drinking can be traced to Britney Spears. Interestingly, the source also suggested it might be linked to his sentiments towards Harry Styles.
According to Daily Mail UK, Justin Timberlake has reportedly increased his alcohol consumption as a means of coping with the fallout from Britney Spears' revealing memoir and the pressures of maintaining chart success.
Sources close to the 43-year-old singer allege that he has shown up to tour rehearsals smelling of alcohol multiple times.
Reports indicate that Timberlake was pulled over just after midnight for running a stop sign in his BMW X7, having been observed by officers swerving on the road prior to the incident. He underwent a field sobriety test but declined to take a breathalyzer test.
ALSO READ: Justin Timberlake Arrested in New York, Remains In Custody for Alleged DWI
Insiders suggest that this incident should serve as a wake-up call for the singer, who allegedly turned to alcohol to cope with the serious accusations made by Britney Spears, 42, including claims that he encouraged her to have an abortion in the early 2000s.
In addition, sources claim that Justin Timberlake has been struggling under mounting pressure to compete with current stars like Harry Styles, compounded by disappointing sales of his latest album, Everything I Thought It Was, which failed to top the charts upon its March release.
"Justin has been stressed over the Britney drama that happened at the end of last year and some of us noticed that he was drinking more," a source exclusively told DailyMail.com.
The source clarified the artist is not an alcoholic. However, "he was advised to reel the drinking in so he could have a clear head when dealing with any public controversy because he had been accused of handling the Britney and Janet Jackson backlash poorly."
The "Sexy Back" singer was formally charged with DWI, as well as citations for running a stop sign and lane deviation. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 26 after being released without bail.
For declining the breathalyzer test, Justin's driving privileges in New York have been suspended.
READ ALSO: The Real Reason Why Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel Left Los Angeles Revealed
