Justin Timberlake has revealed he is living with Lyme disease.
The 44-year-old said he was “shocked” to receive the diagnosis, but it explained why he “would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness”.
The ‘Cry Me A River’ singer shared his diagnosis on Instagram following the conclusion of his ‘Forget Tomorrow’ world tour.
Timberlake said he was faced with the decision to stop his tour early, but ultimately decided to keep going.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “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.”
Justin Timberlake
Exactly how often Lyme disease strikes isn’t clear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites insurance records suggesting 476,000 people are treated for Lyme disease in the U.S. each year.
Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, carry Lyme-causing bacteria. The infection initially causes fatigue, fever, and joint pain. Often — but not always — the first sign is a red, round bull’s-eye rash.
Early antibiotic treatment is crucial, but it can be hard for people to tell if they were bitten by ticks, some as small as a pin. Untreated Lyme can cause severe arthritis and damage the heart and nervous system. Some people have lingering symptoms even after treatment.
Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Avril Lavigne are among other singers to have struggled with Lyme disease.
Justin Timberlake on Transparency About Struggles
Timberlake said the “joy that performing brings” outweighed the stress his body was feeling, and he was “glad I kept going”.
His post marks the end of more than a year of touring on his Forget Tomorrow trek, which kicked off in April 2024.
“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 said, adding he was trying to be “more transparent” about his struggles so “they aren’t misinterpreted”.
The star had come in for criticism from some fans on social media for underwhelming performances. Justin Timberlake’s diagnosis follows a turbulent few years.
Despite the challenges, the ‘Mirrors’ hitmaker said he was grateful to be able to tour and make beautiful memories with his fans worldwide.
“This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, gruelling experience. I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say), and have given all that I have to this. I could not have done it without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support.”
Justin Timberlake
He also thanked his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two children, Silas and Phineas, for supporting him during his tour.
“To Jess, Silas, and Phin… nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”
Justin Timberlake
His family has been spotted backstage at several of his shows.
Last year, he also released the album “Everything I Thought It Was.” According to Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report, Timberlake was the 10th top touring artist, grossing $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May.
In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired as part of a plea deal to bring his drink-driving case to an end. “This is a mistake I have made, but I hope whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this. I know I certainly have,” he said at the time.
The singer has also faced backlash after details about his relationship with ex-girlfriend Britney Spears were revealed in her memoir and a separate Britney Spears documentary.
Timberlake, who fronted boy band NSYNC, has earned 10 Grammys as a solo artist and is one of the best-selling record artists of all time.
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