American singer and actor Justin Timberlake has revealed that he is living with Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can have serious physical and neurological effects if left untreated.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram on Thursday, Timberlake opened up about his diagnosis as he reflected on the end of his two-year Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” Timberlake wrote. “But as I reflect on the tour and everything we’ve done, I want to share a bit about what’s been going on with me.”
Timberlake, who shares two sons with actress Jessica Biel, admitted he was initially reluctant to go public with his condition but felt compelled to be honest with his fans.
“If you’ve experienced Lyme disease or know someone who has, you understand how relentlessly debilitating it can be—physically and mentally,” he explained. “When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked. But at least it explained the nerve pain, fatigue, and other symptoms I was experiencing onstage.”
Faced with a difficult decision, Timberlake said he chose to continue performing despite his condition.
“I asked myself—should I stop touring or push through and find a way to manage it? In the end, the joy performing gives me outweighed the physical toll. And I’m so glad I kept going.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. If not treated promptly, it can affect the joints, nervous system, and heart.
Timberlake’s announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists alike.
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