Justin Timberlake reveals he has been battling Lyme Disease

Updated Aug. 1, 2025, 7:52 a.m. | By Entertainment Reporter

The 10x Grammy Award winner is speaking out after concertgoers slammed his "low energy" performances.

Justin Bieber and Jessica Biel backstage at a concert — Justin Bieber and Jessica Biel / Instagram (@jessicabiel)

Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has Lyme disease after facing backlash for his lacklustre performance at some of his recent shows.

The singer wrapped up his 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour' this week after 121 shows.

"Well, as these two incredible years come to an end and I look forward to the future, I wanted to write something from the heart. It’s not an easy task to try to contextualise the whirlwind of touring –– but, I will try," he wrote on Instagram.

According to Mediclinic, Lyme disease is "caused by bacteria in ticks, which pass the infection on to humans".

Timberlake says he isn't sharing his health challenges for sympathy.

"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.

"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 44-year-old said.

Timberlake's tour has not been without a few hiccups, including cancelling one show in February just 15 minutes before start time.

"You guys. I’m heartbroken. I have to cancel the show tonight. I went into soundcheck battling the flu, and now it’s gotten the best of me. It kills me to disappoint you, and my team worked so hard to make this show happen," he said at the time.

He also cancelled a December 2024 show due to ill health.

During the final few shows of the tour, fans in Romania and Ireland slammed his "low energy" performances, with some complaining that they paid a lot of money for "sub-par" show.

ALSO READ: Judge suspends Justin Timberlake's driver's licence after DWI arrest

Justin Timberlake’s performance in Romania went viral — for all the wrong reasons. pic.twitter.com/KXwq9HzM9E
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) July 25, 2025

One TikTok user, @amelissaofficial, called his show "an absolute disappointment".

"You come to my country, I pay a lot of money. It's raining like s***. I've been waiting for you all day to come up on stage. You were late, first of all, and then you sing like five words on each song," she complained.

"I get that you have a lot of concerts and you're touring the world, but you cannot be singing less than a quarter of a song."

The TikToker was also upset that Timberlake wore a hat and glasses during his performance.

"People came to see you, my boy, and we didn't see you. We couldn't see your face... that shows no respect whatsoever for your audience."

@amelissaofficial If you’re not @Justin Timberlake , keep scrolling #fyp #romania #goviral #EC #justintimberlake #concerts #fail #fyppp ♬ original sound - AMELISSA

ALSO READ: Lira celebrates big music milestone post stroke

Timberlake says his Lyme disease diagnosis helped him understand some of the health issues he was facing during performances.

"When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure. 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.

"I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. 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.

Despite the challenges, the 'Mirrors' hitmaker says he is grateful to be able to tour and make beautiful memories with his fans worldwide.

"This has been the most fun, emotional, gratifying, physically demanding, and, at times, gruelling experience. I have been doing this for 30+ years (which feels crazy to say) – and have given all that I have to this. I could not have done it without my family, friends, The TN Kids, and all of YOUR support."

He also thanks his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two children, Silas and Phineas, for supporting him during his tour.

His family has been spotted backstage at several of his shows.

"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."

Other celebrities who have Lyme disease include Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, model Bella Hadid and Avril Lavigne.

Some symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue and muscle and joint pain.

However, Ohanian, who is married to tennis champ Serena Williams, says he experienced no symptoms before his diagnosis.

"Doing a full battery of health scans, tests, etc, and found out I have Lyme disease. Wild. No symptoms, thankfully, but gonna treat," he wrote on X in July 2024.

Timberlake's post is another reminder to be kinder to each other because you never know what someone is going through.

ALSO READ: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson lets his daughters doll him up