Justin Timberlake reveals ‘debilitating' Lyme disease diagnosis after tour backlash

Sky News AU

6 days ago

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.
The singer, 44, told fans about his 'debilitating' health struggle in a statement posted on Instagram Thursday.
'Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart. It's not an easy task to try to contextualize the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try,' he began, referencing his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped Wednesday.
'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 explained.
He continued: '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 said that he was 'shocked' when he learned of his diagnosis. '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,' he said of his symptoms. He noted he 'was faced with a personal decision' to potentially quit his tour.
'I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling,' he wrote. 'I'm so glad I kept going.'
'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,' Timberlake told his fans. 'I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted.'
The Grammy winner concluded his message: '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's wife, Jessica Biel, with whom he has sons Silas, 10, and Phineas, 5, supported her husband by liking his post and sharing it on her Instagram Story.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Lyme disease is an illness caused by Borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.
Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease include Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Riley Keough, Debbie Gibson, Amy Schumer and Yolanda and Bella Hadid.
Timberlake's health news comes after he faced backlash on his tour for lackluster performances.
Last week, fans accused Timberlake of barely singing onstage at the Electric Castle festival in Romania.
Fan videos showed the musician having the crowd sing the majority of his 2016 hit 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' as he frolicked around the stage in the rain.
The *NSYNC alum also faced backlash in February for abruptly canceling his final tour stop in Ohio after coming down with the flu.
The 'Mirrors' singer said he was 'heartbroken' that he had to cancel the concert and promised refunds, but fans still slammed him for the last-minute notice.
Timberlake's tour started in April 2024 — two months before he was arrested for suspicion of DWI in Sag Harbor, Long Island.
In September, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired.
Originally published as Justin Timberlake reveals 'debilitating' Lyme disease diagnosis after tour backlash