The singer, 44, shared that he’s been struggling with the “relentlessly debilitating” disease during his recently wrapped Forget Tomorrow World Tour

Justin Timberlake has revealed a deeply personal health battle that had remained hidden throughout his global performances — the singer has been silently suffering from Lyme disease, a condition he now says caused extreme fatigue,

sickness, and “massive nerve pain” during his recently concluded *Forget Tomorrow World Tour*.

The 44-year-old pop star broke his silence on Thursday, July 31, in an emotional Instagram post, aiming to clear the air after months of harsh fan criticism over his perceived low energy and inconsistent stage presence.

In the post, which featured a photo of Timberlake holding his son Silas from behind, the *Cry Me a River* singer wrote,

“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 added, “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.”

The announcement comes just days after Timberlake wrapped the final leg of his two-year *Forget Tomorrow World Tour*, which took him across Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.

Fans and critics had increasingly voiced concern and disappointment during the latter part of the tour, with one Romanian performance on July 20 sparking backlash online.

“It felt like he took a day off on stage,” one attendee commented. But now, the veteran performer is offering the truth behind what audiences didn’t see.

“I was shocked for sure,” Timberlake admitted, recalling the moment he received his diagnosis. “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.”

Lyme disease, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, can present a wide range of symptoms — from flu-like effects to more serious neurological issues. Over time, the disease can lead to facial paralysis, joint swelling, heart problems, and cognitive impairments.

According to Timberlake, he struggled to make peace with continuing his tour while experiencing such symptoms.

Yet, ultimately, he said, “the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I’m so glad I kept going.”

The multi-platinum artist had already faced a barrage of physical setbacks even before the diagnosis. Earlier in the tour, he had to cancel or reschedule several dates due to a series of injuries, including bronchitis, laryngitis, a back issue, and a sprained ankle.

Despite the setbacks, Timberlake pressed on — and now, for the first time, fans are learning just how much he was enduring in silence.

“I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself,” he continued in his Instagram post. “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.”

The post concluded with a heartfelt message to his family: “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 and actress Jessica Biel have been married since 2012, and together they share two sons — Silas, born in 2015, and Phineas, born in 2020.

Not long after Timberlake made the announcement, fellow \*NSYNC bandmate Chris Kirkpatrick shared a public tribute to his longtime friend.

“I’ve always known my little bro was tough — but this tour showed me a whole new level of strength,” Kirkpatrick posted alongside a photo of himself, Timberlake, Lance Bass, and JC Chasez. “

Watching him battle Lyme disease day in and day out, while still getting on that stage night after night, was something I’ll never forget. The long days, the travel, the exhaustion — and yet, he never gave up.”

He added, “No complaints, no excuses — just heart, grit, and pure determination. That kind of resilience is rare. I couldn’t be more proud to call him my friend. Tour life is already a grind, but doing it while fighting Lyme disease? That’s superhero status.”

Timberlake’s vulnerability strikes a new tone in a career known for its polish and perfectionism. Bursting into superstardom in the late ’90s as a member of \*NSYNC, he quickly became a global solo phenomenon with hits like *Rock Your Body*, *SexyBack*, and *Mirrors*.

Known for his choreography-heavy live shows and high-energy performances, Timberlake has built a reputation over two decades for delivering arena spectacles at a level few others can match.

But as he approaches the next chapter in his career, Timberlake appears ready to trade some of the shine for sincerity.

His openness has already prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including actress Bella Hadid, who has also publicly battled Lyme disease and used her platform to advocate for awareness and medical support.

As of now, Timberlake has not confirmed whether he will take a break from performing or recording, but sources close to his team say the singer is prioritizing rest and medical treatment.

Those around him describe his current mindset as “focused, optimistic, and finally allowing himself to slow down.”

For many of his longtime followers, Timberlake’s revelation may reframe the way they view his recent performances — not as a sign of fading star power, but as a quiet show of endurance.

And while Lyme disease is known for its unpredictable and often prolonged recovery process, the singer’s message was ultimately one of resilience: “I’m on my way,” he wrote — a simple promise from an artist still learning how to balance strength with vulnerability.