Justin Timberlake has revealed he was quietly battling Lyme disease during his ‘Forget Tomorrow’ world tour, which wrapped up this week.
He opened up about his diagnosis on Instagram today, explaining that he experienced ongoing fatigue, nerve pain, and sickness while performing.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person,” he wrote. “But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour, I want to tell you a little bit about what’s been going on with me.”
“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.”
He said he was “shocked” to receive the diagnosis, but it helped explain symptoms he’d been managing on stage.
“Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” Timberlake said.
According to DermNet NZ, Lyme disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia. Lyme disease can affect any part of the body, most commonly the skin, central nervous system, joints, heart, and rarely the eyes and liver.
Timberlake considered ending the tour early, but said the joy of performing ultimately kept him going. “I’m glad I kept going,” he wrote.
“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 that he was “reluctant” to talk about his diagnosis, but is trying to be “more transparent” about his struggles so they aren’t misinterperated.
