Justin Timberlake's recent arrest on DWI charges in the Hamptons has ignited a firestorm of controversy, posing a significant threat to his professional and personal life. Public relations expert Eric Schiffer has outlined the potential long-term damage the incident could inflict on the pop star's reputation, career, and marriage to actress Jessica Biel.
On June 17, Timberlake, the former NSYNC frontman, was arrested in Sag Harbor for allegedly driving under the influence. According to reports, Timberlake had two encounters with the police that night, initially receiving a warning before being apprehended shortly afterward. The arrest quickly became fodder for social media, generating an avalanche of headlines, memes, and jokes.
In an interview with The Sun, Schiffer, chairman of Los Angeles-based Reputation Management Consultants, discussed the possible ramifications of Timberlake's "irresponsible" behavior. Schiffer emphasized that the incident could have enduring effects on Timberlake's credibility, potentially lasting between six months to a year.
"It's a bloodbath to Justin's credibility," Schiffer stated. "It can mean carnage to brand deals and a psychological severing of how brands, or people, how fans, might respect him."
The PR expert highlighted the potential impact on Timberlake's fanbase, particularly parents who might view his actions as reckless. "Moving forward, especially those who are now moms, or those who understand how irresponsible he was," Schiffer explained, could lead to a loss of respect and trust.
Despite the negative fallout, Schiffer suggested that Timberlake could mitigate the damage with the right approach. "He can manage through this with the right resolution in the case and appropriate commentary at the right time to put this into context," Schiffer said. However, he noted that Timberlake has yet to address the situation adequately, leaving many questions unanswered and fostering anger among his supporters.
Schiffer also touched on the public's perception that celebrities and the wealthy often operate above the law. This perception, he warned, could exacerbate the situation for Timberlake. "Fans usually feel that celebrities and the wealthy behave as if they are exempt from the rules that govern society," Schiffer said, adding that Timberlake seems to be leveraging this dynamic to his advantage, much to the frustration of some Americans.
On the personal front, Biel has shown support for her husband by attending his concerts since the incident. However, Schiffer expressed concerns about the strain the arrest could place on their marriage. "Any relationship under severe stress, especially if he does have a drinking problem, can create spontaneous combustion," Schiffer noted.
The arrest has also cast a shadow over Timberlake's ongoing "Forget Tomorrow" world tour. Schiffer predicted that the incident could deal a "serious blow" to the tour's momentum. "They know it's a potential tour-killer," he explained. "If you want to nuke a tour, have people feel like they can't respect him or that he's irresponsible. And especially parents who might want to expose their kids. How could they possibly do that?"