Justin Timberlake reveals he has Lyme disease, but what is it?

Justin Timberlake has disclosed that he was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, sharing the news as he wrapped up his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Istanbul on July 30. In an Instagram post on July 31, the singer said he’s been "battling some health issues" behind the scenes and wanted to "shed some light" on his condition.

“Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake wrote. He described the early stages of his illness as confusing, noting that he often experienced severe nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and other symptoms while performing, without understanding the cause.

Despite the challenges, Timberlake said he made the decision to continue touring, stating, “The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling.” The artist had been touring globally since April 2024.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that wages a silent but potentially deadly war on your body. It starts with flu-like symptoms but can quickly morph into serious damage to the nervous system, heart, and joints if left untreated.  

A surprising number of other stars have experienced the long-term side effects of this ailment. Check out this gallery to see which celebs suffer from Lyme disease.

How does one get Lyme disease?

The disease is transmitted through an infected black-legged tick, also known as the deer or bear tick. The insect carries a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi.

If left untreated

The disease can cause intense joint and nervous system pain, which may lead to paralysis and mental fogginess, as well as inflammation of the heart and membranes around the brain and spinal cord.

Why it’s so common

Global warming has made typically cooler areas more hospitable to ticks. Furthermore, the destruction of deer habitat has caused both deer and ticks to move closer to areas inhabited by humans.

How to avoid it

Black-legged ticks must be on you for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacteria, so make sure you remove any ticks you find immediately. Take care to use tick repellent before going out in the woods, and check your skin in the bath when you return.

Justin Timberlake

The singer opened up about his diagnosis, disclosing the condition as he concluded his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Istanbul. In an emotional Instagram post, he revealed he’s been quietly battling the “relentlessly debilitating” illness behind the scenes, experiencing intense nerve pain, fatigue, and sickness while onstage.

Justin Bieber

Before being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Justin Bieber fell into a depression in 2019 due to the scary symptoms he endured.

Shania Twain

The legendary Canadian country singer announced her diagnosis in 2017, and had to retrain and exercise her voice after her disease resulted in dysphonia, a condition which left her unable to sing.

Yolanda Hadid

Yolanda Hadid has written a book on the illness and spoken about her experiences repeatedly. At the 2016 Global Lyme Alliance Gala, Hadid said, “It’s hard for people to understand the invisible disability that owns our life, especially behind the beautiful face that shines so bright on the covers of magazines.”

Anwar Hadid

Bella, Anwar, and Gigi Hadid all lead seemingly glamorous lives as models and social media sensations, but every member of their family has dealt with Lyme disease, either personally or through their loved ones.

Ben Stiller

The actor has spoken out many times about his struggle with Lyme disease. He was diagnosed with the condition in 2010. He told the Hollywood Reporter, "I'm symptom-free now, but Lyme doesn't ever leave your system. It's a really tough thing."

Ashley Olsen

Various news sources have reported that the reason for the actress' elusiveness is that she was diagnosed very late in the stages of the disease and has been tending to her health.

Debbie Gibson

The singer-songwriter told People that after being diagnosed in 2013, her cognitive skills suffered immensely. After fighting the disease for years, she has said she learned a lot about her body and is optimistic about her experiences.

Daryl Hall

One half of Hall & Oates was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2005, forcing the group to cancel their tour that year. Healthline reports that Hall lived on the New York/Connecticut border, which is rife with deer, and that he experienced helplessness.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

The former 'Sopranos' actress was one of the lucky ones who recognized the disease early and was successfully treated with antibiotics. She wrote about the life-changing experience in her memoir, 'Wise Girl: What I've Learned About Life, Love, and Loss.'

George W. Bush

The former President of the United States was bitten by a tick and diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2006, but the illness was caught and treated early enough that he felt no lasting effects.

Parker Posey

The actress, who got her start in 'Dazed and Confused,' was diagnosed in 2009. She started antibiotic treatment soon after, but has championed homeopathic remedies and supplements since the antibiotics did not restore her health completely.

Christy Turlington

The model and philanthropist was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2007, but early detection and the right antibiotics eradicated the illness.