Justin Timberlake has revealed he’s been diagnosed with Lyme Disease after a series of under par performances left fans concerned for his wellbeing.
The Cry Me A River hitmaker, 44, has faced criticism over his shows in recent months, with some accusing him of doing the ‘bare minimum’ on stage.
Taking to social media, Justin has now revealed his ‘relentlessly debilitating’ diagnosis in the hope doing so would help explain what he’s been battling with behind the scenes.
On Instagram, Justin wrote: ‘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 contextualise the whirlwind of touring – but, I will try.
‘This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding and, at times, grueling experience. I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say). – and have given all that I have to this. I could not have done it without my family, friends, the TN kids, and all of your support.
‘As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person, but as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’sgoing on with me.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It’s usually easier to treat if it’s diagnosed early.
Symptoms include a circular or oval shape rash around a tick bite. It can appear months after, or sooner. The rash can have a darker or lighter area in the centre and might gradually spread. It’s not usually hot or itchy.
The rash may be flat, or slightly raised, and look pink, red, or purple. It can be harder to see the rash on brown and black skin and it may look like a bruise.
Some people get flu-like symptoms in the das or weeks following a bite. Others get more severe symptoms, lasting months or years, which include pain or swelling in joints, nerve problems, heart problems and trouble with memory or concentration.
What is treatment for Lyme disease?
Most people with Lyme disease get better after antibiotic treatment. This can take months for some people, but the symptoms should improve over time.
It is not understood why some suffer with long term symptoms, and in these cases there is no clear treatment agreed, according to the NHS.
‘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. 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. 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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.’
He went on to thank all his tour crew and the fans for coming to see him perform, a space which he said was ‘sacred’ to him.
Justin’s Forget Tomorrow World Tour officially ended in February this year, but was followed by an extension that has included festivals and one-off concerts titled ‘JT Live 2025’.
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After a performance at the Electric Castle festival in Romania earlier this month, Justin was criticised for signing very little of his track Can’t Stop the Feeling live, and gesturing for the audience to carry the song.
Following this appearance, fans began to worry when he turned up on stage in Georgia looking ‘tired’ as they commented that he needed a ‘break to recharge’.
In February, towards the end of his world tour, Justin cancelled a number of gigs, pulling out last minute.
Explaining the Ohio cancellation on the evening, Justin said he was ‘heartbroken’.
‘I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it’s gotten the best of me. It kills me to disappoint you and my team who worked so hard to make this show happen,’ he said.
‘I want to reassure you, you’ll be getting refunds for your tickets. I love you all.’
In October 2024 Justin cancelled a concert at the same venue on October 23 while battling laryngitis and bronchitis.
This health news comes after Justin was arrested last year for drink driving.
In September, the singer pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a $500 (£380) fine with a $260 (£200) surcharge, do 25 hours of community service and make a public safety announcement.
His lawyer Edward Burke Jr told reporters outside the Sag Harbour courthouse: ‘My client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American hotel, and contrary to what was reported he wasn’t drinking other people’s drinks or warned in advance not to drive.
‘He wasn’t rude, obnoxious, or belligerent. He was polite and respectful during his whole encounter with law enforcement as they were to him.’
Outside court Justin made a statement, saying: ‘Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life and as you may know I try to hold myself to a very high standard.
‘This was not that. I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that and I also understand I have a platform, you have a platform – we share that platform – so what I would like to say to everyone watching and listening is: if you have one drink don’t get behind the wheel of a car.’
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