Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis after months of fan concern over his tour performances. He opened up on social media, finally providing fans with some answers to their questions about his health.
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Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been quietly living with Lyme disease, a serious tick-borne illness that has left him struggling with exhaustion, nerve pain, and fatigue while touring the world. The singer announced in a candid Instagram post at the end of his two-year Forget Tomorrow world tour, saying it was time to shed light on what he had been enduring behind the scenes.
“I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease – which I don’t say so you feel bad for me – but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against,” he wrote. “If you’ve experienced this disease or know someone who has, then you’re aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
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The admission follows months of speculation about his health, as fans and critics noted low-energy performances, cancelled shows and what many described as an uncharacteristic lack of stage presence. Some even called for him to retire, but the former *NSYNC frontman says the reality was far more complex.
He shared the same note to his Instagram stories:
Instagram | justintimberlake
Instagram | justintimberlake
Performing through pain and fatigue
Timberlake’s tour began in April 2024, shortly after he released his sixth studio album Everything I Thought It Was. The extensive schedule saw him performing across 41 shows, grossing over $73 million by late May and placing him in the top ten of Billboard’s midyear touring chart. But behind the scenes, Timberlake was grappling with crushing symptoms that left him drained and in pain on stage.
“When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure,” he shared. “But at least I could understand why I’d be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
He admitted that he nearly called off the tour, but ultimately decided to keep going. “I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”
The post, accompanied by a heartfelt photo of Timberlake embracing one of his sons, ended with a message of gratitude to his wife, actress Jessica Biel, and their children. “Nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way,” he wrote.
A reluctant but necessary reveal
Timberlake also spoke about his hesitation in sharing the diagnosis. “I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” he explained. “But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
The revelation was met with widespread support. Long-time fans flooded his social media with messages of encouragement and appreciation, thanking him for his vulnerability. Fellow *NSYNC member Chris Kirkpatrick praised Timberlake’s resilience, calling him “superhero status” for continuing to tour while fighting the illness.
“Watching him battle Lyme disease day in and day out, while still getting on that stage night after night, was something I’ll never forget,” Kirkpatrick posted. “No complaints, no excuses — just heart, grit, and pure determination.”
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Early symptoms often include a rash, fever, chills, joint pain, and fatigue. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications such as nerve damage, brain fog, facial paralysis and long-term fatigue. While many people recover fully with prompt treatment, others experience lingering symptoms for months or even years.
Timberlake joins a growing list of high-profile names who have spoken publicly about their struggles with Lyme disease, including Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Shania Twain. The condition is increasingly common in the United States, particularly during warmer months as climate change continues to expand tick habitats. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), May and June 2025 saw a spike in emergency room visits for tick bites, with figures reaching their highest since 2019.
A new chapter ahead
With the tour now over and his health struggles out in the open, Timberlake says he hopes to help others by speaking up. “I’m sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected,” he wrote. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
While it remains unclear what Timberlake’s next career move will be, one thing is certain: the pop icon’s decision to be open about his illness has struck a chord with fans and advocates alike, putting a spotlight on a condition often misunderstood or ignored.
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Featured Image: Instagram | justintimberlake
