Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease.

The singer, 44, broke the news of his ‘debilitating’ health battle to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday marking the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour – after sparking concern over his ‘tired’ stage performances and ‘lip syncing.’

Lyme disease is an infection caught from tick bites that causes muscle pain, brain fog, swollen joints and fatigue which can last for a few weeks, but for reasons not yet understood, some patients suffer for years.

Timberlake’s emotional post read: ‘This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience.

‘I could not have done it without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support.

‘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.’

Justin Timberlake has been diagnosed with Lyme disease – pictured July 12 2025

The singer, 44, broke the news of his ‘debilitating’ health battle to fans in an Instagram post on Thursday, marking the end of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour – after sparking concern over his ‘tired’ stage performances and ‘lip syncing’ – pictured last week in Georgia  

He continued: ‘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. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure.

‘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.’

Timberlake said he initially considered canceling his year-long tour – but decided to ‘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 wrote.

‘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.’

Timberlake – who is married to Jessica Biel – ended his tour in Istanbul, Turkey on Wednesday, July 30. 

The statement comes days after the N*SYNC star sparked concern among fans over his ‘tired’ appearance at one of his final tour concerts in Georgia last week.

Over the last few months, fans have demanded refunds following a string of ’embarrassing and bare minimum’ shows – pictured July 30 

The star said he was glad to ‘prove his mental tenacity’ by continuing the tour 

The pop star is pictured with wife Jessica Biel in 2024

As he took to the stage over the weekend, fans demanded the popstar ‘needs a break to recharge’ following the brutal backlash he has received

As he took to the stage, fans demanded the popstar ‘needs a break to recharge’ following the brutal backlash he has received. 

Over the last few months, fans have also demanded refunds following a string of ’embarrassing and bare minimum’ shows.

Some comments read: ‘Why he treating performing like a side job?!’, ‘How many words did you sing?’, ‘Did he sing finally?’

‘When are the audience getting paid for their performance?’,

‘Imagine paying $600 to watch the crowd at a Justin Timberlake concert sing his songs’ 

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‘Justin Timberlake really thought he could do the bare minimum & get away with it? Nah. People didn’t drop $500 to watch a lifeless karaoke act. No energy, no vocals, just vibes gone wrong. The crowd walking out says it all. It’s mediocre performance. It’s time to stop!’

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Hadid and her daughter, model Bella Hadid, singer Justin Bieber, actor Ben Stiller and comic Amy Schumer are among celebrities diagnosed with the disease.

It has been a turbulent year for pop’s former ‘golden boy.’ His image was tarnished when he was charged with a DWI in June 2024.

He later admitted to Driving While Ability Impaired and the DWI charge was dropped. 

During the arrest, Justin famously predicted in a viral moment: ‘This is going to ruin the tour.’

It has been a turbulent year for pop’s former ‘golden boy.’ His image was tarnished when he was charged with a DWI in June 2024, later admitting to Driving While Ability Impaired instead to avoid a drunk driving charge (pictured)

Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks.

The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash called erythema migrans.

The disease can typically be treated by several weeks of oral antibiotics.

But if left untreated, the infection can spread to the joints, heart and nervous symptoms and be deadly.  

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE INFECTED?

During the first three to 30 days of infection, these symptoms may occur:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Muscle and joint aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Erythema migrans (EM) rash 

The rash occurs in approximately 80 per cent of infected people.

It can expand to up to 12 inches (30 cm), eventually clearing and giving off the appearance of a target or a ‘bull’s-eye’.

Later symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Severe headaches and neck stiffness
• Additional rashes
• Arthritis with joint pain and swelling
• Facial or Bell’s palsy
• Heart palpitations
• Problems with short-term memory
• Nerve pain 

Source: CDC