Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis: ‘Relentlessly Debilitating’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Justin Timberlake performs on stage during the ‘Forget Tomorrow’ World Tour at Barclays Center on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Justin Timberlake is shedding light on his recent health struggles. In a candid Instagram post, the singer revealed he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, describing the condition as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”

While reflecting on the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Timberlake shared his Lyme disease diagnosis in a July 31 Instagram post. The 44-year-old father of two said he felt compelled to share “what’s going on” with his health, despite being a “pretty private person.”

“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,” he said. “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. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure.”

The Mirrors singer continued, “But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness. 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.”

Timberlake said that by continuing on, he was able to prove his “mental tenacity” to himself and “now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

“Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too,” he said, concluding his statement by thanking his crew, band and everyone who attended his tour, adding that they “will forever leave me in awe. You have made my dreams come true.”

He also shared a message for his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons. The couple has been married since 2012 and shares Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4.

“My heart is filled with gratitude! Love each other. Be good to each other. Don’t take it for granted. 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.”

Timberlake’s post comes after weeks of online speculation about his lackluster performances during the final stretch of his tour. One concertgoer’s TikTok video shows Timberlake on stage in Transylvania, Romania, asking the audience to sing most of the lyrics to his hit song, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

People in the comments joked that “the concert could have been an email,” with one user noting that his “backing band” was giving “so much more energy” than he was. Some even said they would have wanted a refund due to Timberlake’s lack of singing.

The Forget Tomorrow World Tour kicked off in April 2024 and supported his sixth studio album, Everything I Thought It Was (2024). Over the 15-month trek, Timberlake had to cancel several shows due to health issues, including the flu, a back injury bronchitis, and laryngitis.

Timberlake is one of many celebrities who have been open about their Lyme disease diagnosis. Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber are among other stars who have battled the disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is “a bacterial infection spread to people through the bite of blacklegged ticks.” Symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash called erythema migrans. If untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.