Justin Timberlake Opens Up About His Secret Battle with Lyme Disease. Justin Timberlake Opens Up About His Secret Battle with Lyme Disease

Justin Timberlake Reveals Secret Battle With Lyme Disease During Forget Tomorrow World Tour

Just one day after wrapping up his electrifying Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Justin Timberlake has opened up about a deeply personal struggle he faced behind the scenes: a quiet battle with Lyme disease.

In a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday (July 31), the pop superstar shared a series of candid photos from his life on the road, offering fans a rare glimpse into his private journey. “As I’m reflecting on the tour and festival run, I want to tell you a little bit about what’s been going on with me,” Timberlake wrote.

He continued with a revelation that surprised many: “Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease—which I don’t say so you feel bad for me—but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

Timberlake didn’t hold back about the impact of the illness. “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,” he explained. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. 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. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or keep going and 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.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is caused by borrelia bacteria transmitted by certain types of ticks, often in wooded areas. Symptoms can include rashes, joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness, and immune system complications.

Timberlake joins a growing list of artists who have gone public with their Lyme disease battles, including Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, and Justin Bieber, all of whom have spoken candidly about the toll the illness has taken on their lives and careers.

His emotional post comes at the close of an epic year-long journey. The Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which kicked off in April 2024 shortly after the release of his album Everything I Thought It Was, solidified Timberlake as one of the year’s top touring acts. According to Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report, the tour grossed an impressive $73.2 million across 41 shows as of late May, making Timberlake the 10th highest-grossing touring artist so far this year.

Timberlake’s courage in sharing his story not only sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with Lyme disease but also serves as an inspiration to fans everywhere—proving that even in the face of adversity, the show can go on.