Singer-actor Justin Timberlake disclosed through his Instagram Stories that he has Lyme disease. Timberlake also discussed his troubled Forget Tomorrow World Tour as a result of being diagnosed with the aforesaid condition. Timberlake attributed his slow, low-energy performances towards the end of the tour to the fatigue and nerve damage stemming from the health condition.
“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,” Timberlake shared. “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.
Timberlake revealed that he considered quitting the tour after learning about his condition for the first time but kept going with it for his affinity for performing on stage. “When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure,” Timberlake wrote. “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 went on to add, “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. I was reluctant to talk about this because I was always raised to keep something like this to yourself. But I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted. Sharing all of this with the hope that we can all find a way to be more connected. I’d like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too.”
July 30 marked the end of Timberlake’s tour in Istanbul that he started in Vancouver in April last year. During the tour, Timberlake stopped by the USA before visiting Europe, South America and Mexico. He came back overseas to finish the endeavour, which he started after wrapping Everything I Thought It Was, his sixth studio album.
