Justin Timberlake revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme Disease.
The singer shared the shocking news on his Instagram as he reflected on his “Forget Tomorrow” World Tour. In the post, he wrote, “As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour, I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me,” Timberlake wrote. “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.”
Timberlake 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.” Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection caused by tick bites.
Symptoms can develop nearly 30 days after a bite, and they can include fever, chills, a rash, headache, fatigue, and more. Other symptoms can include brain or spinal cord inflammation and arthritis.
“When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure,” Timberlake wrote. “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.”
He went to say that he considered stopping touring altogether, but was happy that he didn’t. “I’m so glad I kept going,” he said. “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,” he said. “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.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the singer during this time.