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Most people know Justin Timberlake as a pop artist who rose to stardom as the leader of the famed 2000s boy band, NSYNC. But his contributions to hip-hop cannot be overstated. He has collaborated with some of the top artists, including Jay-Z, T.I., and 50 Cent.
Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis
On Thursday, July 31, Timberlake dropped a major bomb on fans. But it wasn’t anything music-related. Timberlake revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person. But as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour – I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me,” he wrote in part, per TMZ. “Among other things, 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.”
Per the Mayo Clinic, Lyme Disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease can have effects such as “rash” and “flu-like symptoms” as well as “Joint pain and weakness in the limbs.”
Timberlake noted that living with the disease can be a “relentlessly debilitating” experience. He also noted that the side effects of the condition have already begun to impact his health. Adding that he would often feel “nerve pain” and “crazy fatigue” during his performances.
“Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically,” he added.
“When I first got the diagnosis, I was shocked for sure. 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.”
