Justin Timberlake has revealed he’s battling Lyme disease, a serious illness typically spread by tick bites that has become increasingly common in parts of the US in recent years.
In an Instagram post, the singer shared: “I’ve been dealing with some health challenges and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but to give some context about what I’ve been facing behind the scenes.”
He continued: “If you or someone you know has experienced this disease, you understand how relentlessly tough it can be—both physically and mentally. When I first got the diagnosis, I was definitely shocked. But at least it helped explain why I’d sometimes be on stage dealing with intense nerve pain, extreme fatigue, or just feeling unwell.”
Timberlake’s announcement came after more than a year on tour, which began in April 2024, shortly after he released his album Everything I Thought It Was. Some fans had noticed signs of fatigue or illness during his performances, leading to criticism online.
Addressing the concerns, Timberlake said: “I had to make a personal choice—stop touring or push through. I decided the joy of performing far outweighed the temporary strain on my body. I’m so glad I kept going.”
He added: “Not only did I prove my resilience to myself, but I also created unforgettable moments with all of you. I was hesitant to talk about this because I was raised to keep personal struggles private. But I want to be more open so my challenges aren’t misunderstood.”
Fans flooded his post with support, with messages like, “You are so loved, and we’ll support whatever you decide next,” and, “Thank you for always showing up for us. Take care of yourself—we love you.”
According to Billboard, Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow world tour ranked him 10th in their midyear Boxscore report, earning $73.2 million across 41 shows by late May.
Timberlake isn’t the first musician to speak openly about Lyme disease, which can cause rashes, fever, fatigue, and joint pain. Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, and Shania Twain have also shared their struggles with the illness.
Lyme disease can persist for months or even years. Rising tick populations in the US, fueled by warmer summers due to climate change, have led to more reported cases. Recent data shows an increase in emergency room visits for tick bites this year compared to previous years.
Timberlake first gained fame as a “Mouseketeer” on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993, alongside Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. He later rose to stardom with *NSYNC before launching a successful solo career, becoming one of the top-selling artists of the 2000s.
