Was Justin Timberlake mean to fans? Internet split over viral encounter

Justin Timberlake has become the center of online debate after a video surfaced showing him in a tense exchange with fans.

The clip, which quickly went viral, captures the 43-year-old pop icon responding to a car full of individuals challenging him to a race while driving.

Justin Timberlake's viral fan incident

In the footage, fans can be heard exclaiming, "That's Justin Timberlake! Bro, roll down the window!"

As their cars come to a stop at a red light, Timberlake lowers his window and pointedly asks, "You want something?"

When the fans reply with, "Let's race, let's race," Timberlake retorts, "You want something? You want something?" before concluding the interaction with, "Get out of here, you f*****g kids."

The video, captioned "Why is Justin Timberlake so mean omfg," has divided social media users.

While some defended the singer's reaction, others criticized his tone.

One user commented, "Honestly, it seems like they just provoked him while he was doing his own thing. I don't think he was necessarily mean-maybe just irritated."

Another said, "If I were famous, I'd always acknowledge my fans. They seemed excited to see him, but that's just me."

Supporters of Timberlake argued the fans' behavior crossed a line.

"Never thought I'd defend Justin Timberlake, but these people were harassing him. His actions weren't mean at all-just appropriate," wrote one commenter.

Others disagreed, saying, "They might've been slightly annoying, but it was still a mean gesture to me."

This isn't the first time Timberlake has faced public scrutiny.

In September 2024, the singer pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while impaired following a June arrest in Sag Harbor, New York.

Reflecting on the incident, Timberlake admitted, "I try to hold myself to a very high standard, for myself, and this was not that."

He used the opportunity to advocate against drunk driving, urging others to make safer decisions.

Despite the controversy, Timberlake remains active in his career and community.

Just days before the video surfaced, he participated in a bike ride with children and families in Portland, Oregon, while in town for his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.