Singer Justin Timberlake has disclosed that he was diagnosed with Lyme disease in July 2025, joining a growing list of celebrities speaking openly about the condition. The 44-year-old said the diagnosis came as a shock but explained the severe nerve pain and fatigue he experienced during his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.
Timberlake's revelation follows similar disclosures from model Bella Hadid, who recently returned to the Victoria's Secret catwalk after a hospitalisation for Lyme disease. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, who also suffers from the disease, shared images of Bella in hospital in late September, calling her a 'survivor' and 'badass Warrior'.
Lyme disease, caused by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, is rare in the UK with around 1,500 confirmed cases annually in England and Wales. However, it is more prevalent in the United States, where many celebrities have been diagnosed. Early symptoms include a 'bullseye' rash and flu-like signs, but long-term effects—occurring in 5 to 10 per cent of cases—can include arthritis, chronic pain, and brain inflammation.
Other celebrities who have spoken about their battles include Miranda Hart, who revealed last October that she was bedbound and housebound due to the disease, and Justin Bieber, who shared his diagnosis in 2020. Riley Keough has also been open about her experience.
