Justin Timberlake Reveals ‘Debilitating’ Lyme Disease Diagnosis as He Returns Home From Tour To Focus on Health ‘Struggles’

Justin Timberlake has candidly revealed that he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease—after coming under intense scrutiny for “barely” singing during his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour.”

The 44-year-old shared his shocking diagnosis on July 31 in a heartfelt Instagram statement that he said he posted in order to “shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

Toward the end of his 15-month tour, Timberlake, who shares two children with wife Jessica Biel, faced increasing criticism from fans over the quality of his live performances, with videos posted on social media showing the pop star urging audience members to “sing” while a backtrack played.

Now, the father of two has shed some light on the reasons behind his on-stage struggles, admitting that he has quietly been battling “debilitating” symptoms as a result of his Lyme disease diagnosis.

“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,” he wrote.

He revealed that the diagnosis came as a surprise, adding that he experienced a “massive amount of nerve pain” while performing in his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour,” which kicked off in April 2024 and came to an end on July 30.

Although he assured fans he kept his health in mind before deciding to tour, he admitted that he couldn’t stop himself from going ahead with the performances, noting that the happiness he found on stage far outweighed the pain he was experiencing.

“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 said, before branding it the “most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, grueling experience.”

“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,” he added.

“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.”

Lyme disease is spread to people through the bites of blacklegged ticks and symptoms include fever, fatigue, headaches, and a skin rash. It can worsen and spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system if it’s left untreated, according to the CDC.

Now that his tour has wrapped, Timberlake will be heading home to his wife Jessica, and his kids, Silas, 10, and Phineas, 4, to deal with the “debilitating” disease.

Timberlake owns several properties across the U.S., having ditched Hollywood for the chance at a more quaint lifestyle.

Hollywood Hills dwelling

In 2002, Timberlake split from NSYNC and debuted his first solo album, “Justified.” At the same time, the singer decided to dip his toe in real estate by snapping up a home in Los Angeles.

He picked up a 13,000-square-foot pad in Hollywood Hills for $8.3 million.

The Spanish-inspired dwelling sprawls across 10 acres and offers panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley.

It comes complete with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a chef’s kitchen, theater room, tennis court, and an 85-foot-long pool.

The couple performed a complete overhaul of the home throughout the years. However, after 20 years of owning the abode, Timberlake and Biel listed the property for $35 million in 2021.

However, the listing was later removed, and the couple appears to still own the keys to the pad.

Montana sanctuary

In 2015, the “Sexy Back” singer and Biel decided to think about what they wanted their future to look like and decided it didn’t involve them staying Hollywood.

Instead, the couple opted to purchase a sprawling home in rural Montana-offering them peak privacy.

Their stunning dwelling is situated in the lavish Yellowstone Club, which is nestled in the mountains of Big Sky.

According to the club’s website, Timberlake and Biel enjoy “family-friendly mountain homes” and 2,900 acres of ski trails as well as an 18-hole golf course.

Biel previously let Parade in on what food she doesn’t allow her kids to have at home. She revealed that she never allows her kids McDonald’s.

She told the outlet, “McDonald’s! I’m like, ‘Sorry, guys, I’m not doing it.’ They don’t get McDonald’s. I just feel like I don’t know what’s going on with [the] quality of that food.

“It’s stuff like that that I’m like, ‘No, we’re not.’ Let’s go have a great burger and fries at a fancy place. I’d rather pay more for you to have something fancy than something like that.”

“I just really believe in the products, and I really trust what’s in them,” she explains. “And for me, I want to help my immune system the best I possibly can.

“And I don’t want to put a bunch of junk in there. I don’t want to put stuff in that I cannot pronounce. That’s my new rule: I don’t know what this crazy word is. I am not [putting] this word in my body or my kid’s body, you know?”

Former Tennessee ranch

Timberlake and Biel also previously owned a sprawling Tennessee ranch, which they decided to part ways with in 2024.

Timberlake purchased the pretty property in 2015 for just $4 million. At the time, he told the Tennessean, “I admire this town a lot. They take care of their own. There’s not a lot of places in the world, much less America, that do that. It’s just a great place.”

The couple then listed the ranch for $10 million in 2023, hoping to find a buyer that would pick up the sanctuary. The home ultimately sold in 2024 for $8 million.

The home features 127 acres of horse farm.

Located in Leipers Fork, the property is less than a half-mile from Leipers Fork Village.

The Dobyns Branch Creek runs through the property, which has two entrances. One has a covered bridge over the water, and the second offers easy access for horse trailers.

Ridges afford views of Leipers Creek Valley, and the spread includes 50 acres of pasture.

The property runs along the western border of Natchez Trace scenic parkway, affording “ultimate privacy and serenity,” the listing noted.

Other highlights of the land include a spring-fed fishing pond and miles of trails.