- Justin Timberlake, 44, discloses he has Lyme disease
- Says diagnosis explains nerve pain, fatigue during performances
- Shares he's trying to be more transparent about personal struggles
Justin Timberlake has revealed he is living with Lyme disease, sharing that the diagnosis came as a shock but helped explain the persistent health issues he experienced during his recent world tour.
The 44-year-old singer said he often dealt with severe nerve pain, overwhelming fatigue, and general illness while performing. He opened up about his condition on Instagram after wrapping up his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which concluded in Turkey.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. While many recover with early antibiotic treatment, some individuals continue to experience long-lasting symptoms like exhaustion, body aches, and low energy.
Timberlake admitted he considered ending the tour early due to his condition but chose to push through, stating that the joy of performing outweighed the physical toll.
“As many of you know, I’m a private person,” he wrote. “But as I reflect on this tour, I wanted to share what I’ve been going through. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease—not for sympathy—but to shed light on the struggle I’ve faced behind the scenes.”
He added that those familiar with the disease know how mentally and physically exhausting it can be.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that early treatment with antibiotics is usually effective, but those treated later may experience lasting complications affecting joints or the nervous system.
Other music stars who have battled Lyme disease include Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Avril Lavigne.
Timberlake emphasized that despite the criticism he received for a few lackluster performances, the experience proved his resilience and gave him lasting memories. He said he hopes to be more transparent about his personal struggles to avoid misunderstandings in the future.
His disclosure comes after a challenging few years. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired, calling it a mistake he hoped others could learn from.
He has also faced renewed scrutiny over past relationships, particularly after Britney Spears shared details about their history in her memoir and a related documentary.
A ten-time Grammy winner and former frontman of NSYNC, Timberlake remains one of the top-selling solo artists of all time. He is married to actress Jessica Biel.
