Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been quietly battling Lyme disease, a diagnosis he says explains the physical and mental struggles he faced during his recent world tour. The singer opened up about his condition at the end of his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour, which wrapped up in Turkey. He described the illness as relentlessly debilitating, noting it took a toll on his energy, his body, and his spirit.
Timberlake said the diagnosis brought clarity to months of unexplained symptoms, including fatigue, nerve pain, and recurring illness. Faced with the decision to cancel the tour or power through, he chose to continue performing, stating that the joy of connecting with fans outweighed the discomfort he was experiencing. He emphasized that while the tour was often grueling, it was also among the most rewarding and emotional experiences of his career.
In recent months, fans had speculated about his health after some performances appeared less energetic, with rumors of lip-syncing and limited vocal output. Timberlake addressed those concerns directly, explaining that his condition impacted his stamina but that he never lost the desire to give his audience everything he could.
In addition to Lyme disease, Timberlake revealed he had dealt with a string of health issues throughout the tour, including bronchitis, laryngitis, a back injury, and the flu—ailments that at times led to postponed or canceled shows. Still, he insisted that every performance was a labor of love and a testament to his commitment to the fans who supported him.
Though typically a private person, Timberlake said he chose to go public with his diagnosis to foster understanding and help others who may be going through similar health battles. He expressed gratitude for the support he’s received and pride in finishing the tour despite the challenges. His announcement joins a growing number of public figures raising awareness about Lyme disease and the impact it can have—not only on the body, but on the way artists are perceived when struggling behind the scenes.
