#SHOWBIZ: Justin Timberlake reveals battle with 'relentlessly debilitating' Lyme disease
The singer made the candid revelation in an Instagram post after the final show of his Forget Tomorrow tour in Turkey.
The 44-year-old artiste said he had been silently dealing with health issues throughout the tour.
"I've been battling some health issues and was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I'm sharing this to shed light on what I've been up against, and not for sympathy," he wrote.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites that can cause symptoms such as nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.
Timberlake said the diagnosis explained the nerve pain and exhaustion he experienced while performing.
Despite the challenges, the *NSYNC alum chose to continue with the tour.
"The joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going," he said.
Timberlake added that he chose to go public to avoid misunderstandings and to demonstrate his resilience.
"I wanted to be transparent, so my struggles wouldn't be misinterpreted. I'm proud of my mental tenacity," he explained.
The tour, which began in April 2024, spanned Europe, North America, and Asia.
It received mixed reviews, with some critics noting underwhelming performances, which now make more sense in light of his health battle.
Timberlake, who has sold over 88 million records and won ten Grammy Awards, is married to actress Jessica Biel, 42.
They share two sons, Silas and Phineas.
He joins other celebrities like Avril Lavigne and Bella Hadid who have also spoken out about their experiences with Lyme disease.
The US public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates that the illness affects nearly half a million Americans each year.
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