Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Justin Timberlake, known for his hit “SexyBack,” kicked off his Forget Tomorrow World Tour in April 2024.
Justin Timberlake Discloses Lyme Disease Battle Following Tour’s End
Justin Timberlake has revealed that he’s been privately battling Lyme disease. The pop star opened up about his health condition in an Instagram post celebrating the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
“Most of you know I tend to keep my personal life private,” Timberlake wrote in his post. “But as I look back on this tour and everything that’s happened, I want to share something I’ve been dealing with.” He went on to explain that he’s been struggling with various health issues, including a diagnosis of Lyme disease. “I’m not saying this for sympathy,” he clarified, “but to give some insight into what’s been going on behind the scenes.”
Timberlake described the condition as “relentlessly debilitating” both physically and mentally. He recalled the moment he received his diagnosis, saying it finally explained the intense nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and illness he was experiencing during performances. Faced with a tough decision—whether to cancel the tour or push forward—he chose to keep performing. “The joy I get from being onstage far outweighed the stress my body was under. I’m grateful I chose to continue,” he said.
The singer, who has been touring since April 2024, explained that he initially hesitated to share his struggles publicly. “I grew up believing you should keep things like this to yourself,” he admitted. “But I want to be more open, so people don’t misunderstand what’s been going on.”
His post comes after fans criticized him for not singing during a performance at Romania’s Electric Castle festival. A viral TikTok video showed Timberlake encouraging the crowd to sing while he walked the stage, leading one commenter to write, “When you pay for a concert but get a mute singer. Dude took a day off on stage.”
Timberlake also expressed deep gratitude toward his supporters and tour team. “To every person who came to see me on the Forget Tomorrow Tour or JT Live ‘25—or any tour, really—your energy and support mean everything to me. Seeing your signs, shirts, and hearing you sing along has brought me endless joy.”
He also thanked his crew, band, and dancers, calling them a “beautiful family away from home” and saying he would always cherish the time they spent together. “Touring is something truly unique. It takes a rare kind of person to do it—and do it well.”
Timberlake concluded by reflecting on the powerful experience of performing live: “There’s nothing like being on stage and sharing music in real time with all of you. It’s sacred to me. I don’t know what the future holds for me onstage, but this run—and every tour before it—has been unforgettable.”
