Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease diagnosis following world tour

Justin Timberlake has revealed he is living with Lyme disease, opening up about his health struggles following the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour. The 44-year-old singer shared the news in an Instagram post on Thursday, describing the diagnosis as “shocking” but clarifying many of the unexplained symptoms he had been experiencing on stage.

“I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness,” he wrote, reflecting on the physical toll during the tour. Timberlake said he had considered ending the tour early but ultimately chose to continue performing.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. While many recover fully with early treatment, some patients experience long-term symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain.

“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.

Despite the health challenges, he said the “joy that performing brings” made it worthwhile. The two-year tour, which began in April 2024, wrapped up in Turkey on Wednesday.

Timberlake said he wanted to be “more transparent” about his condition to avoid misinterpretation of his recent performances, some of which had received criticism online.

His diagnosis comes amid a difficult period in his personal and professional life. In 2024, Timberlake pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while impaired, and he has also faced renewed public scrutiny following the release of Britney Spears’ memoir and related documentaries.

Timberlake joins a list of musicians, including Justin Bieber, Shania Twain, and Avril Lavigne, who have spoken publicly about their experiences with Lyme disease.