Image credit: justintimberlake/Instagram
Grammy-winning singer and actor Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been living with Lyme disease, a debilitating illness that he says impacted his recent global tour but also gave him a deeper appreciation for his career and fans. Timberlake joins a growing list of celebrities who have publicly battled the disease, including Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid, Yolanda Hadid, Ben Stiller, Shania Twain, Alec Baldwin, Amy Schumer, and Debbie Gibson.
The 44-year-old pop icon shared his diagnosis in a heartfelt post on Instagram on Thursday, just after concluding his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which spanned more than 70 cities and ended earlier this month.
Timberlake said the diagnosis helped explain the persistent fatigue, nerve pain, and unexplained illness he had been experiencing while performing.
“Shocked” by diagnosis
“When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure,” Timberlake wrote. “But at least I could understand why I would be on stage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
In the lengthy Instagram post, Timberlake reflected on his decades-long music career and the emotional toll the tour had taken on him, physically and mentally.
“This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience,” he said. “I have been doing this for 30+ years — which feels crazy to say — and I’ve given all that I have to this.”
Despite his private nature, Timberlake said he chose to speak publicly to raise awareness about Lyme disease and to connect with others going through similar challenges.
“I’m not sharing this so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes,” he added. “Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.”
A choice: Quit or keep going
Timberlake revealed he faced a difficult choice: stop touring or push through the illness.
“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 mental tenacity to myself, but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.”
The SexyBack singer said he hopes his story helps others and encourages more open conversations about invisible illnesses.
“I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I’m trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted,” Timberlake said.
Legal trouble in 2024
The revelation follows another headline-grabbing moment in Timberlake’s life. In September 2024, he pleaded guilty in a New York State court to a lesser traffic charge after being arrested during the summer.
Police had pulled Timberlake over for allegedly failing to obey a stop sign and veering out of his lane. Initially suspected of driving under the influence, Timberlake ultimately pleaded guilty to “driving while ability impaired,” a lesser violation than drunk driving.
According to Variety, Timberlake was fined $500 and ordered to complete community service. His attorney, Edward Burke, stated the singer was pleased with the reduced charge and pushed back on claims that Timberlake had been intoxicated at the time.
Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks (commonly known as deer ticks). The illness does not spread via other types of ticks, such as wood ticks or dog ticks.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headaches, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans — often shaped like a bull’s-eye. If left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Each year, about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, experts estimate the actual number is significantly higher due to underreporting.
Stages and symptoms
Early-Stage Lyme Disease
Symptoms typically appear within 3–30 days after a tick bite and include:
- Rash (erythema migrans) that expands over time
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Early disseminated stage
If untreated, the infection can spread within weeks to months, causing:
- Multiple rashes
- Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
- Irregular heartbeat (heart block)
- Numbness or nerve pain
Late-stage Lyme disease
Months or even years later, symptoms may include:
- Severe arthritis, especially in the knees
- Cognitive difficulties (“brain fog”)
- Widespread nerve damage (polyneuropathy)
Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics. However, in some cases, symptoms persist or recur even after treatment — a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Raising awareness and moving forward
Timberlake said he plans to use his platform to advocate for others battling Lyme disease and invisible illnesses, stressing the importance of empathy and openness.
“Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected,” he concluded. “I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
As he looks ahead to new projects and recovery, fans continue to rally behind the singer, praising his honesty and resilience.
