Pop star Justin Timberlake has publicly shared that he’s been diagnosed with Lyme disease, joining a list of high-profile figures such as Miranda Hart, Bella Hadid, Justin Bieber, Ben Stiller, and Kelly Osbourne who have also dealt with the condition.
The 44-year-old former *NSYNC member made the announcement via Instagram, saying:
“I’ve been battling some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I’m not sharing this for sympathy, but to give insight into what I’ve been going through behind the scenes.”
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by tick bites. It typically causes flu-like symptoms and fatigue that may persist for weeks. In some cases, symptoms can last for years, for reasons still not fully understood. Cases of Lyme disease are rising in parts of the U.S., while the UK has seen a decrease—though experts warn those numbers likely underestimate the real scale of the problem.
Why Are So Many Celebrities Affected?
According to Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, lifestyle factors might be at play. Celebrities often spend more time outdoors in areas where ticks are common—such as wooded estates, large gardens, or nature trails—and have more opportunities to travel to such places.
He added that many celebrities live in the U.S., where Lyme disease is more widespread.
“As you walk through these areas, ticks latch onto your legs and can transmit Lyme disease during their ‘blood meal,’” he explained.
“After being outdoors, it’s important to check for ticks and remove them promptly and correctly.”
Timberlake’s Experience
Timberlake’s symptoms emerged during his 2024 tour, which began in April. Critics on social media called his performances underwhelming, with fans speculating that he looked unusually fatigued. He responded:
“I had a choice—stop touring or push through. I chose to continue because the joy of performing outweighed the physical strain. I’m glad I kept going.”
He also opened up about struggling with the decision to go public:
“I was raised to keep personal matters private, but I wanted to be transparent so people wouldn’t misinterpret what they were seeing.”
Misdiagnosis and Controversy Around Testing
Professor Hunter warned that diagnosing Lyme disease can be complex and sometimes controversial. While two blood tests are available, they can be unreliable in early stages. Some private clinics offer unverified tests and may diagnose Lyme disease for a wide range of symptoms that might actually point to other conditions.
“Many people suffer lingering symptoms, like joint pain or fatigue, but these are also common in aging or with other health issues,” said Hunter.
Symptoms of chronic Lyme can include:
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Facial palsy
- Rashes
- Memory problems
Other Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out
Timberlake isn’t the first to go public. Yolanda Hadid has described enduring years of severe symptoms, including depression and constant pain. Her daughter Bella also underwent a 100-day treatment program after battling the disease for nearly 15 years.
Justin Bieber revealed in 2020 that he had Lyme disease, saying critics had made assumptions about his appearance without realizing he was unwell.
“People said I looked terrible or was on drugs, but I was suffering from Lyme and chronic mono, which affected my brain, skin, and energy,” he wrote on Instagram.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The first sign of Lyme disease is often a rash known as erythema migrans, which looks like a red bullseye. However, not everyone develops this rash, and it may appear weeks or even months after the bite. It might look different on darker skin or resemble a bruise.
Other common symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fatigue, headache, neck stiffness, fever
- Joint pain: Often confused with arthritis
- Facial paralysis: Especially in children, due to nerve inflammation
- Nerve pain: Sharp or shooting pain along nerve pathways
- Memory and concentration issues
- Eye problems: Blurred vision, floaters, or even inflammation of the optic nerve
If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious long-term complications. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can often prevent more severe symptoms from developing.
