Pop star Justin Timberlake discloses his diagnosis with Lyme disease to the public - Justin Timberlake reveals his Lyme disease diagnosis.
Justin Timberlake Battles Lyme Disease During "Forget Tomorrow World" Tour
Justin Timberlake, the 44-year-old singer-songwriter and actor, has been open about his battle with Lyme disease during his current tour, "Forget Tomorrow World," which began in April 2024.
Diagnosed in July 2025, Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause severe symptoms like nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness. In an emotional Instagram post, Timberlake revealed his diagnosis, stating that he initially hesitated to disclose his condition due to concerns about misunderstandings arising from his performance breaks during the tour.
However, Timberlake chose to be more transparent about his struggles, aiming to shed light on the challenges he faced behind the scenes. He described Lyme disease as "relentlessly draining, both physically and mentally." Early symptoms of the disease include headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, and timely diagnosis with proper antibiotic treatment is crucial.
Despite the health issues, Timberlake continued his two-year tour, citing the joy of performing as the reason. The singer, who gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC and has won a total of 14 awards, including four Emmy Awards and ten Grammy Awards, has faced criticism from fans about his performances during the tour.
Timberlake's relationship history includes a high-profile romance with US singer Britney Spears from 1999 to 2002. Today, he is married to actress Jessica Biel and is a father to two children.
In June 2024, Timberlake made headlines when he was arrested for driving under the influence. He later pleaded guilty to the charge. In mid-July, Timberlake performed at the Lollapalooza festival in Berlin.
Timberlake's courage to share his health struggles serves as a reminder of the challenges artists often face while maintaining their careers. His transparency aims to encourage open conversations about mental and physical health issues in the entertainment industry.
I'm not sure I'm ready for this mental stress that comes with addressing Lyme disease's impact on my health and career, given the judgments I might face due to missed performances. The importance of early science-based detection and appropriate therapies and treatments for Lyme disease cannot be overstated, as it can significantly affect both physical fitness-and-exercise and mental-health well-being. A balanced health-and-wellness approach, which includes proper nutrition, will be crucial in my recovery journey and future performances.
