Justin Timberlake Reveals He Has Been Diagnosed with Lyme Disease

In a deeply personal Instagram message, Justin Timberlake revealed he has been quietly battling Lyme disease during his 2024-25 ‘Forget Tomorrow World Tour.’

Full story below…

The 44-year-old explained that the diagnosis finally helped him make sense of the “massive amount of nerve pain” and extreme fatigue he experienced on stage. Rather than cancel the shows, he chose to keep performing, asserting that the joy of being on stage outweighed the physical toll.

Timberlake said he struggled with where to open up, but ultimately wanted to shed light on his invisible illness and foster empathy for others facing similar battles. His announcement comes amid criticism of recent performances, with some fans labelling his energy as lazy, a view now contextualized by his health struggles.

This diagnosis aligns him with fellow celebs like Justin Bieber and Avril Lavigne, who’ve also spoken out about Lyme disease.

Read his full post below:

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A post shared by Justin Timberlake (@justintimberlake)

“Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart. It’s not an easy task to try to contextualize the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try…

This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling 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.

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. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. 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.

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. 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.”