Justin Timberlake has disclosed that he is living with Lyme disease. The 44-year-old musician expressed his surprise at the diagnosis, noting it clarified instances where he experienced significant nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and overall malaise while performing. He took to Instagram to share this personal revelation following the end of his Forget Tomorrow world tour.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through tick bites. Although many patients receive treatment, some may continue to face lingering symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and a general loss of energy that can persist for years.
Timberlake initially contemplated ending his tour early but ultimately chose to continue. In his Instagram post on Thursday, he remarked, “As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me. Among other things, 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 behind the scenes. 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.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that patients treated with antibiotics during the early stages of Lyme disease typically recover quickly and fully. Patients in later stages may respond well to treatment, although some could experience long-term effects on their nervous system or joints. Notable artists such as Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Avril Lavigne have also faced challenges related to Lyme disease.
Despite the physical toll, Timberlake emphasized that the joy of performing outweighed his body’s stress, stating he was “glad I kept going.” His two-year world tour, which began in April 2024, wrapped up in Turkey on Wednesday. He reflected, “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself but, I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.” He expressed a desire to be “more transparent” about his struggles to ensure they aren’t misinterpreted, especially after facing some criticism from fans regarding his performances.
