Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease, a tick-borne bacterial infection that can cause debilitating symptoms. The pop star shared the news on Instagram on July 31, 2025, explaining that the diagnosis finally gave clarity to the extreme fatigue, nausea, and nerve pain he had been experiencing during his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Despite the illness, Timberlake chose to continue performing, saying the joy of connecting with fans outweighed the physical strain on his body. His admission comes after months of speculation over his on-stage energy levels, with some fans noting he appeared visibly unwell during recent performances.
The announcement has drawn support from across the entertainment industry. Former NSYNC bandmate Chris Kirkpatrick praised his resilience, calling him “superhero status” for completing the tour under such challenging conditions. Timberlake also hinted that the future of his live performances remains uncertain, leaving open the question of whether this could be his last major tour.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spread through infected tick bites, can cause flu-like symptoms, rashes, and severe joint and nerve issues if untreated. Timberlake’s openness has brought renewed attention to the condition, joining a list of celebrities who have publicly shared their experiences to raise awareness.
