The singer, actor, and longtime performer behind the Forget Tomorrow World Tour, Justin Timberlake, opened up about a private battle that spanned the final leg of his global shows. His emotional Instagram post quickly drew attention and sparked questions about his condition.
Here’s what Timberlake revealed about his Lyme disease diagnosis and how it impacted his time on tour.
Justin Timberlake opens up about Lyme disease diagnosis in Instagram post
In an Instagram post shared on July 31, 2025, Justin Timberlake revealed his Lyme disease diagnosis.
He stated, “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.”
He added that the disease has been “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” and explained that his symptoms included nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness while performing onstage.
Timberlake, 44, reflected on the challenges of continuing the tour after receiving his diagnosis. “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,” he wrote. Despite his condition, he completed the tour, performing the final show in Turkey. He did not provide additional details about his treatment or the specific timeline of his diagnosis.
Ticks transmit Lyme disease, a bacterial infection common in the U.S., especially in the Northeast and upper Midwest. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that symptoms can appear within days and often include fever, headache, fatigue, and joint pain. Doctors typically treat most cases effectively with antibiotics. However, some people continue to experience lingering symptoms, a condition known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).
Timberlake said he chose to speak publicly about his health to promote transparency and awareness. “I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” he said. “But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
