Justin Timberlake reveals he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease
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Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

At 44 years old, the singer announced his ‘debilitating’ health struggles to followers via an Instagram post on Thursday. This announcement coincided with the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which had previously raised concerns due to his ‘exhausted’ onstage appearances and ‘lip syncing.’

Lyme disease is an illness resulting from tick bites and can lead to symptoms such as muscle soreness, mental confusion, swollen joints, and fatigue. These symptoms can last a few weeks; however, for unknown reasons, some individuals experience them for several years.

Timberlake wrote: ‘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.

‘I’ve been facing some health challenges, including a diagnosis of Lyme disease. I’m sharing this not for sympathy, but to highlight the challenges I’ve been secretly dealing with.’

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease - pictured July 12 2025

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease – pictured July 12 2025

He continued: ‘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.’

‘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.’

This comes after Timberlake 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.

Some comments read: ‘Why he treating performing like a side job?!’, ‘How many words did you sing?’, ‘Did he sing finally?’

The singer, 44, broke the news of his 'debilitating' health battle to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday, marking the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour - after sparking concern over his 'tired' stage performances and 'lip syncing' - pictured last week in Georgia

The singer, 44, broke the news of his ‘debilitating’ health battle to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday, marking the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour – after sparking concern over his ‘tired’ stage performances and ‘lip syncing’ – pictured last week in Georgia  

Over the last few months, fans have demanded refunds following a string of 'embarrassing and bare minimum' shows - pictured July 30

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 star said he was glad to ‘prove his mental tenacity’ by continuing the tour 

‘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!’

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)

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)

WHAT IS LYME DISEASE?

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash called erythema migrans.

The disease can typically be treated by several weeks of oral antibiotics.

But if left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart and nervous symptoms and be deadly.  

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE INFECTED?

During the first three to 30 days of infection, these symptoms may occur:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Erythema migrans (EM) rash 

The rash occurs in approximately 80 per cent of infected people.

It can expand to up to 12 inches (30 cm), eventually clearing and giving off the appearance of a target or a ‘bull’s-eye’.

Later symptoms of Lyme disease include:

  • Severe headaches and neck stiffness
  • Additional rashes
  • Arthritis with joint pain and swelling
  • Facial or Bell’s palsy
  • Heart palpitations
  • Problems with short-term memory
  • Nerve pain 

Source: CDC

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