In 2025, an increasing number of global celebrities are courageously opening up about their battle with Lyme disease — a complex and often misunderstood illness that affects thousands worldwide each year.
One of the latest stars to speak out is Justin Timberlake. After completing a demanding two-year world tour, Timberlake took to Instagram to reveal his private health struggle with Lyme disease. Known for being a “private person,” the artist shared an emotional post describing the relentless and exhausting symptoms he endured behind the scenes.
“If you’ve experienced Lyme disease or know someone who has, you understand how mentally and physically draining it can be,” he wrote. Timberlake expressed that while the diagnosis initially shocked him, it also provided clarity about the unexplained fatigue, nerve pain, and discomfort he had been experiencing on stage. Instead of halting his tour, he made the empowering choice to continue performing — choosing joy over pain.
Timberlake joins a growing list of high-profile individuals raising awareness about Lyme disease:
c, in her Netflix documentary Not Just a Girl, recounted how a tick bite during a horseback ride led to symptoms that severely impacted her voice and stage presence. “I felt like I was losing control of my body — dizzy, disoriented, and scared,” she revealed.
Amy Schumer used humor to break the news on Instagram in 2020, sharing that she had contracted Lyme and was undergoing treatment. “Can I still drink wine on doxycycline?” she joked.
Justin Bieber publicly shared his own Lyme diagnosis in 2020, addressing online speculation about his appearance. “It’s been a tough journey, but I’m healing,” he reassured fans.
Alec Baldwin, reflecting on his long-ago diagnosis, described it as one of the most terrifying experiences of his life. He believed at one point he might not survive.
Other celebrities who have battled Lyme include Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid, Ben Stiller, Kelly Osbourne, and Ryan Sutter, among others. Their stories shed light on a disease that is still largely misunderstood by the public.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It’s most commonly transmitted through the bite of infected deer ticks. Often misdiagnosed due to its wide-ranging symptoms — including fatigue, joint pain, neurological issues, and memory problems — early detection is key.
The disease is most prevalent in areas like New England, Long Island, and parts of the Pacific Northwest. Peak transmission occurs in spring and summer when ticks are most active. If caught early (within 24–48 hours), the tick’s removal may prevent the disease. If not, it can evolve into a chronic, multisystemic condition.
The courage of these celebrities to share their stories is not only helping to destigmatize Lyme disease but also encouraging others to seek timely diagnosis and treatment. In a world where invisible illnesses are often misunderstood, these voices are making a powerful impact.