Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
The 44-year-old singer revealed his ‘debilitating’ health struggle to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday, coinciding with the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. This followed concerns about his ‘tired’ stage appearances and alleged ‘lip syncing.’
Lyme disease, an illness transmitted through tick bites, can cause symptoms like muscle pain, brain fog, swollen joints, and fatigue. While these symptoms might last for a few weeks, some patients suffer for years for reasons not yet fully understood.
Timberlake’s emotional post read: ‘This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience.
‘I could not have done it without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support.
‘Among other things, I’ve been dealing with some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I mention this not for sympathy, but to highlight what I’ve been facing behind the scenes.’
Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease – pictured July 12 2025
The announcement came as he wrapped his tour, addressing fans about his health struggles after raising eyebrows with his recent performances. The photo shows him last week in Georgia.
He went on: ‘If you’ve encountered this disease or know someone who has, you understand: living with it can be relentlessly tough, both mentally and physically. The diagnosis initially shocked me.’
‘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.’
Timberlake said he initially considered canceling his year-long tour – but decided to ‘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’ he wrote.
‘Not only did I prove my own mental strength, but I’ve also created countless unforgettable moments with all of you. I hesitated to open up about this because I was always taught to keep personal matters private.’
‘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.’
Timberlake – who is married to Jessica Biel – ended his tour in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, July 30.
The statement comes days after the N*SYNC star sparked concern among fans over his ‘tired’ appearance at one of his final tour concerts in Georgia last week.
Over the last few months, fans have demanded refunds following a string of ’embarrassing and bare minimum’ shows – pictured July 30
The star said he was glad to ‘prove his mental tenacity’ by continuing the tour
The pop star is pictured with wife Jessica Biel in 2024
As he took to the stage over the weekend, fans demanded the popstar ‘needs a break to recharge’ following the brutal backlash he has received
As he took to the stage, fans demanded the popstar ‘needs a break to recharge’ following the brutal backlash he has received.
Over the last few months, fans have also demanded refunds following a string of ’embarrassing and bare minimum’ shows.
Some comments read: ‘Why he treating performing like a side job?!’, ‘How many words did you sing?’, ‘Did he sing finally?’
‘When are the audience getting paid for their performance?’,
‘Imagine paying $600 to watch the crowd at a Justin Timberlake concert sing his songs’
‘Justin Timberlake really thought he could do the bare minimum & get away with it? Nah. People didn’t drop $500 to watch a lifeless karaoke act. No energy, no vocals, just vibes gone wrong. The crowd walking out says it all. It’s mediocre performance. It’s time to stop!’
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid and her daughter, model Bella Hadid, singer Justin Bieber, actor Ben Stiller and comic Amy Schumer are among celebrities diagnosed with the disease.
It has been a turbulent year for pop’s former ‘golden boy.’ His image was tarnished when he was charged with a DWI in June 2024.
He later admitted to Driving While Ability Impaired and the DWI charge was dropped.
During the arrest, Justin famously predicted in a viral moment: ‘This is going to ruin the tour.’
It has been a turbulent year for pop’s former ‘golden boy.’ His image was tarnished when he was charged with a DWI in June 2024, later admitting to Driving While Ability Impaired instead to avoid a drunk driving charge (pictured)
