Chris Kirkpatrick has shared a message of support following Justin Timberlake’s Lyme disease diagnosis.
Newsweek reached out to Timberlake’s representative via email for comment on Friday.
The Context
Timberlake and Kirkpatrick, along with JC Chasez, Joey Fatone and Lance Bass, were bandmates in the popular boy band NSYNC.
Their self-titled debut album *NSYNC was released in 1998 and included hits like “Tearin’ Up My Heart” and “I Want You Back.” The musicians went on to have success with albums like No Strings Attached and Celebrity, and they were nominated for eight Grammy Awards.
Timberlake later embarked on a solo career, and most recently wrapped up his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour.” The tour kicked off in April 2024 in Vancouver and concluded on Wednesday in Turkey.
From left: Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake and Joey Fatone attend a special screening of Universal Pictures’ “Trolls Band Together” at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 15, 2023, in Hollywood, California. From left: Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Justin Timberlake and Joey Fatone attend a special screening of Universal Pictures’ “Trolls Band Together” at the TCL Chinese Theatre on November 15, 2023, in Hollywood, California. Leon Bennett/Getty Images
What To Know
On Thursday, Timberlake shared a lengthy message via Instagram about his Lyme disease diagnosis, which he called “relentlessly debilitating.”
“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 wrote.
“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,” the 44-year-old continued. “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.”
Timberlake added that he was “reluctant to talk about” it because he was “raised to keep something like this to yourself.” However, he decided to share his health update to avoid being “misinterpreted” and to feel “more connected” with his fans.
Following his message, Kirkpatrick shared his own post via Instagram. “I’ve always known my little bro was tough—but this tour showed me a whole new level of strength,” he said. “Watching him battle Lyme disease day in and day out, while still getting on that stage night after night, was something I’ll never forget. The long days, the travel, the exhaustion—and yet, he never gave up. No complaints, no excuses—just heart, grit, and pure determination. That kind of resilience is rare.”
The 53-year-old added: “I couldn’t be more proud to call him my friend. Tour life is already a grind, but doing it while fighting Lyme disease? That’s superhero status. Here’s to strength, perseverance, and one hell of a tour. Love you little bro!”
Timberlake responded to his post with three heart emojis.
The news comes following criticism over his performance at the Electric Castle festival in Romania last month. In a TikTok video with over 7.2 million views, user @themutesinger accused the Trolls star of being “mute.”
“Dude took a day off on stage,” the caption read.
In the comments section, a separate TikToker wrote in a note with nearly 90,000 likes: “This performance could’ve been an email.”
What Is Lyme Disease and What Are the Symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria.”
The website states that “symptoms of Lyme disease vary” and “usually show up in stages.” They can include a rash with a single circle around it, fever, headache, joint stiffness and extreme tiredness.
Other celebrities who have spoken out having Lyme disease are Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, Bella Hadid and more.
What People Are Saying
Underneath Timberlake’s Instagram post, people shared supportive messages.
Former Bachelor star Ashley Iaconetti said: “We love you, Justin! You gave me and my friend one of the best memories of our lives on this tour! THANK YOU! Emotional, open Justin is awesome. I’m so sorry for the diagnosis and the struggles that come with it. They need to be doing more research and actually recognize this disease. Enjoy all the well deserved rest and family time!”
MTV posted three mending heart emojis.
The T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, where Timberlake stopped on his tour last year, wrote: “KC loves you and thanks for showing us why you are a true legend and pro this past Dec!! Rooting for you always!”
What Happens Next?
Timberlake—who has two sons, Silas and Phineas, with wife Jessica Biel—hinted he was gearing up to enjoy much-needed rest.
“To Jess, Silas, and Phin… nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love,” he concluded his Instagram post. “You are my heart and my home. I’m on my way…”
