Pop star says mystery symptoms left him in “massive pain” before Lyme diagnosis explained it all

Justin Timberlake has revealed that he is battling Lyme disease, breaking months of speculation around his health following a string of underwhelming performances on tour.

The 43-year-old singer shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, explaining that he received the diagnosis after grappling with unexplained nerve pain, extreme fatigue and a general sense of malaise while performing live.

“I’ve been battling some health issues,” Timberlake wrote. “I 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.”

The singer has been on the road for more than a year as part of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April 2024, just weeks after the release of his album Everything I Thought It Was. While fans initially welcomed his return, murmurs soon surfaced about a dip in energy and vocal sharpness during his shows.

Now, Timberlake has offered a deeply personal explanation. “When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked,” he admitted. “But at least I could understand why I’d be on stage in a massive amount of nerve pain or just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”

Lyme disease, caused by a bacterial infection transmitted via tick bites, can lead to chronic symptoms if left untreated. These include joint pain, cognitive fog and prolonged exhaustion—symptoms that Timberlake says left him questioning his own wellbeing.

“I was faced with a personal decision,” he said. “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.”

His decision paid off commercially. According to Billboard, the Forget Tomorrow tour grossed more than $73 million from 41 shows by late May, placing Timberlake among the top 10 global touring artists in the midyear Boxscore rankings.

Still, the emotional toll was significant. “Not only did I prove my mental tenacity to myself,” he wrote, “but I now have so many special moments with all of you that I will never forget.”

Timberlake said he initially hesitated to share his diagnosis, citing a personal upbringing that encouraged silence about health issues. “But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”

The response from fans was immediate and heartfelt. “You are so loved,” wrote one commenter. “Take care of yourself. We’ll always be here.” Another added, “Thank you for showing up for us. You are appreciated more than you know.”

Timberlake joins a growing list of celebrities who’ve spoken openly about living with Lyme disease, including Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and Shania Twain. All have described the condition as both misunderstood and life-altering.

Public health experts have warned of a sharp rise in tick-borne illnesses across the US in recent years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported record emergency room visits for tick bites this past May and June—higher than any year since 2019. Climate change is believed to be fuelling the surge, with warmer temperatures helping tick populations flourish in more areas.

A seasoned performer, Timberlake rose to fame with boy band *NSync before launching a hugely successful solo career in 2002. He is one of the best-selling male pop artists of the 2000s, known for hits such as Cry Me a River and Mirrors.

Now, fans say, his openness about illness marks a new chapter in that career—one defined not just by chart success, but also by resilience.