Written by Tanisha Cardozo
August 1, 2025: Grammy-winning artist Justin Timberlake has revealed he is living with Lyme disease, a chronic bacterial infection that he says contributed to nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness during his Forget Tomorrow world tour.
The 44-year-old star made the announcement via Instagram, shortly after concluding his two-year tour in Turkey. He expressed the decision to go public was about “being more transparent” after enduring physical strain and public scrutiny over his performance quality in recent months.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” Timberlake wrote. “But I want to share what I’ve been going through — I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I don’t say this to gain sympathy, but to shed light on what I’ve been battling behind the scenes.”
What Is Lyme Disease?
According to the CDC, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. If caught early, it can be treated effectively with antibiotics, but for some, long-term symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and neurological effects can persist for months or even years.
Other celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, and Shania Twain have also spoken about their struggles with the illness.
Touring Through Pain
Timberlake admitted he had considered ending the tour early due to his symptoms but ultimately found strength in performing:
“The joy that performing brings outweighed the stress my body was feeling. Not only did I prove my mental tenacity, but I now have so many special moments I’ll never forget.”
His openness comes after a turbulent few years, including a 2024 DUI charge, public criticism over his past relationship with Britney Spears, and fan backlash over inconsistent stage performances.
Despite these challenges, Timberlake remains a beloved global artist, with 10 Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the best-selling solo performers of all time.
He is married to actress Jessica Biel, and the couple shares two children.
Timberlake closed his message by emphasizing empathy and clarity:
“I’m trying to be more transparent about struggles, so they aren’t misinterpreted.”
As fans and public figures rally in support, Timberlake’s story brings much-needed attention to an often-misunderstood illness — and a reminder that health, both mental and physical, matters deeply — even for the world’s biggest stars.
