Justin Timberlake returns to stage in Chicago after DWI arrest: "It’s been a tough week"

"I know sometimes I'm hard to love but you keep on loving me," said Timberlake to the audience.

On Friday night, Justin Timberlake made his first live appearance since his DWI arrest early Tuesday morning in Long Island, New York.

During his Chicago concert at the United Center on June 21, the former *NSYNC star, 43, addressed the crowd with a brief speech before performing "Selfish," saying, "it's been a tough week."

He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I know sometimes I'm hard to love but you keep on loving me and I love you right back," which was met with cheers from the audience.

Earlier in the show, Timberlake interacted with a couple celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary, telling the crowd that the "verdict is in" and this was "the best crowd of the tour."

As per Timberlake’s arrest report, he was charged with one count DWI and two citations for running a stop sign and failure to keep in lane. He told authorities, "I had one martini and I followed my friends home."

Timberlake has been touring since April to promote his sixth studio album, "Everything I Thought It Was," which was released on March 15. Prior to his arrest, the 10-time Grammy winner's most recent performance was a sold-out concert at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Following two nights in Chicago, Timberlake will continue his tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with additional U.S. dates running through July 9. 

The tour will then move to Europe, starting with a performance in Kraków, Poland, on July 26 — the same day the singer is scheduled to appear in court.