Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been battling Lyme disease, a condition he described as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.” The announcement came just after the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April in Vancouver and wrapped this week in Turkey.

The revelation followed a wave of online criticism from fans who felt Timberlake’s performance at the Electric Castle festival in Romania lacked energy. In several TikTok videos, Timberlake is seen urging the crowd to sing along, prompting comments that he “barely sang.” Responding to the backlash, the singer took to Instagram to share what he had been quietly enduring 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,” Timberlake wrote.

He spoke of suffering from nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and bouts of sickness throughout the tour but said he chose to continue performing. “The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling,” he said.

While he had considered cancelling the tour, Timberlake said pushing through became a personal test of resilience. “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.”

Timberlake added that he was raised to keep such struggles private but is now choosing transparency. “I’m trying to be more open about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted,” he said.

Timberlake’s disclosure has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists.

“Rooting for your healing familia, massive of you to forge ahead in the midst of it all for the love of the music and your audience,” Singer Miguel wrote

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks, commonly found in wooded areas in North America and Europe. Early symptoms can include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and a distinctive bull’s-eye rash. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart, and nervous system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 476,000 Americans are treated for Lyme disease every year. Early detection and antibiotic treatment are crucial.  However, many patients suffer lingering symptoms even after treatment.

Other celebrities who have spoken about battling the disease

1. Bella Hadid

   

The supermodel battled the disease for 15 years, often suffering from bone pain, anxiety, and extreme exhaustion. She stepped away from horseback riding, once her passion, and said the illness made it difficult to function socially. In 2023, she announced she was “finally healthy” and grateful for having persevered.

2. Yolanda Hadid

   

Bella’s mother and former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has long been an outspoken advocate. She chronicled her experience in a memoir and called Lyme an “invisible disability” that “brought many to their knees.” At a 2016 gala, she described moments of such profound exhaustion and despair that she “wished to die.”

3. Alexis Ohanian

The Reddit co-founder was diagnosed in July 2024 after undergoing full-body scans. He shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating he had no symptoms but would begin treatment immediately. “Can’t keep me down, tick!” he joked.

4. Riley Keough

The actress and daughter of Lisa Marie Presley revealed her diagnosis in a 2023 Vanity Fair interview. She said Lyme disease and related autoimmune issues influenced her decision to use a surrogate. At the time, she was in Sweden undergoing holistic therapies like blood cleansing to manage symptoms.

5. Fletcher

The singer paused her career in 2023 after being diagnosed. “Lyme has affected me in a variety of ways,” she said, noting it had taken a toll on her body and voice. She described the experience as “wearing on her soul,” and urged fans to understand the invisible nature of chronic illness.

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