Justin Timberlake, 44, the heartthrob pop singer and actor who just concluded his Forget Tomorrow tour, announced today on Instagram that he has Lyme disease. In a lengthy, detailed, and emotional post, Timberlake described what he has been going through, both bodily and mentally. His disclosure comes amid some pushback that he did not give his all while on tour. Now we have an explanation as to why that may have been the case. He evidently toughed it out despite symptoms from the tick-borne illness.
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Timberlake Described His Challenging Health Situation
Without self-pity and with commendable dignity, Timberlake talked candidly about what is ailing him. "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."
He went on to call the condition "relentlessly debilitating," adding that he experienced "a massive amount of nerve pain" and "crazy fatigue." Timberlake explained that had to decide whether to continue the tour. "He wrote, "I decided that the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going."
He Graciously Thanked His Fans
Timberlake expressed deep gratitude for all the "special moments" he had with fans during the tour. He noted that "...I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so they aren't misinterpreted." He warmly thanked the fans and his "crew band, singers and dancers."
Timberlake also thanked his wife of 13 years, Jessica Biel and his two young kids, Silas and Phineas, for their "unconditional love."
Some People Were Still Unsympathetic
Commenters on Reddit were still irate at what they perceived as Timberlake's lack of effort on stage. Their remarks reflect that disappointment.
"That's no excuse. If you're too sick to perform, cancel and refund people's money. Otherwise, take the criticism you deserve for taking their money and putting on a laughably pitiful 'show.'"
"It's a form of thievery. He knows what they're coming to see and he knows they're not going to see it. Thievery."
"this is what insurance is for - cancel the tour (or a few weeks of the tour), get healthy, and let insurance pay back the venues and customers - that's the right thing to do... going on stage and not performing while swaying to recordings of your songs is NOT the correct solution...."
