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Justin Timberlake reveals he’s battling Lyme disease, calls it mentally and physically “debilitating” and says he’s learning to open up about his struggles.
Justin Timberlake announced his Forget Tomorrow World Tour during a January 2024 visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. (Photo: Instagram)
Justin Timberlake has revealed he’s been privately battling Lyme disease. The singer shared the diagnosis on Instagram as he wrapped up his two-year Forget Tomorrow tour, offering fans an unfiltered look into the health challenges he faced behind the scenes.
In a lengthy and emotional message, Timberlake admitted that although he’s typically a private person, he felt it was time to be more transparent. “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 wrote.
Describing the illness as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake recalled the moment he first received the diagnosis. “I was shocked for sure,” he admitted. “But at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness.”
Despite his condition, Timberlake pushed through the tour. “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,” he said, noting how the experience tested and proved his mental tenacity.
Timberlake shared that he had long been taught to keep his struggles private but was now choosing vulnerability over silence. “I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted… I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
He also thanked his team, band, and fans who supported him throughout the tour. “You have made my dreams come true,” he said, before addressing the magic of performing live: “There really is no way to put into words the feeling of being on a stage… It’s a vibration of frequency that is unmatched. Sacred to me.”
He closed with a heartfelt message to wife Jessica Biel and their sons Silas and Phin: “To Jess, Silas, and Phin… nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way.”
Timberlake’s Forget Tomorrow tour launched in April 2024, shortly after the release of his album Everything I Thought It Was. According to Billboard, the tour has grossed over $73.2 million from 41 shows.
He now joins celebrities like Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber in publicly acknowledging their Lyme disease diagnoses.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection that is usually the result of of a tick bite. The illness progresses in stages.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, early signs of the illness can include fever, fatigue and muscle and joint aches, while later-stage symptoms can include pain in bones and nerves, weakness, tingling or loss of sensation in limbs, swelling of the brain and spinal cord, memory loss and the inability to think clearly.
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, …Read More
Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, … Read More
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